GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 11: Celtic huddle ahead of kick off during the William Hill Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has made two changes to the Celtic side for today’s match at Hibs.
Alistair Johnston and Sebastian Tounekti come into the side with Tony Ralston and James Forrest dropping onto the bench.
On the back of the 3-1 win at home to Falkirk Celtic will be looking to make it four SPFL wins on the bounce. Taking three points would take Celtic level on points with Hearts who place tomorrow.
Today’s match has an unusual backdrop with a distinct lack of enthusiasm from Hibs fans as they see their city neighbours closing in on a title win.
O’Neill won’t be bothered by that side issue. David Gray’s side have their own targets and ambitions to achieve, detached from the emotions of supporters.
CAN CELTIC PILE MORE PAIN ON HIBS?
Hibs are without the suspended duo of goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and defender Felix Passlack.
The nine remaining players were given the run-around for 40 minutes before losing out to an 86th minute deflection from Blair Spittal.
Almost all of the build up around Hibs this week has been on the attitude of their supporters.
Playing for a European place from fourth or fifth in the SPFL has limited appeal compared to the fear of Hearts winning the league. The nightmare haunting most Hibees.
Falkirk are now just two points behind, Motherwell are six ahead in fourth place.
The fifth placed team will only go into the UEFA Conference qualifiers if Celtic win the Scottish Cup.
David Dickinson referees today’s match with Don Robertson on VAR duty.
Next Sunday Celtic host the final Glasgow Derby of the season. If the hoops fail to win today the significance of next week’s match is diminished.
CELTIC: Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Yang, Maeda, Tounekti
SUBS: Doohan, McCowan, Iheanacho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saracchi, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
Hibs will be starting with 11 players and will be playing to win. Falkirk win yesterday makes that a certainty. Celtic must win the game but need to score a lot of goals to make up the inferior goal difference. Personally I don’t think this Celtic team has it in them. They are too fragile at the back and miss too many chances up front I’d like to be proved wrong though.
At the moment Tony you don’t look like your wrong, FFS 10 man Hibs equalise, hopefully we’ll pick up again but I’m not sure.
1-1 half time following what I think is a scandalous decision from Don Robertson in the var room – the ball clearly hits Newell on the arm before he scoops it into the net. I can’t wait to hear the reason for the goal being allowed to stand.
Poor pass from Liam Scales and a poor foul given away by Tounetki in the lead up to it.
Good point HC,if that ball that hit his arm had went to another Hibs player,that goal would be disallowed, even BBC Scotland said that’s the wrong decision, even better, Campbell Hibs goalie blatantly pushes over Celtic player,no penalty,once more even BBC Scotland can’t believe no penalty given,this ref and his var mates are going to make sure we don’t win, Celtic have now got to go for it ,a draw is no use ,let’s attack 10 men Hibs.
HC even worse, Campbell Hibs goalie pushes Celtic player over in the box, blatant penalty nothing given, typical refereeing, Celtic need to step up the attack ,draw is no good,the draw would be down to the MIB.
Glad to see AJ back for sure !