Celtic predicted XI vs Hibs: Seasoned star thrust in for first start since October as mainstay winger dropped
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his side in Leith
As Celtic prepare to face Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday, some recent injury news has given Martin O’Neill some selection headaches to ponder.
Daizen Maeda inspired the Hoops to a 3-1 win over Falkirk as he bagged a brace and assisted Kieran Tierney to continue his rich vein of form. The result put pressure on league leaders Hearts, however they came from behind to defeat nine-man Hibs at Easter Road to maintain their three point gap over Celtic at the top of the table. The same however couldn’t be said for Rangers, who lost 3-2 at home to Motherwell and now sit a point behind their Old Firm rivals.
As Celtic now prepare for their second of five post-split cup finals, right back Alistair Johnston could be set for his first start since October after a recurring hamstring issue. The Canada international came on as a substitute for Anthony Ralston in the Falkirk victory and received a standing ovation from the Parkhead faithful. As a player who’s been a mainstay when fit, given Celtic’s current injury issues at right back, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his way back into the starting XI. Here’s how we think O’Neill will set up his side at Easter Road:
Viljami Sinisalo
The Finn has been an assured figure between the sticks in the absence of the injured Kasper Schemichel and is expected to start Celtic’s four remaining fixtures.
Alistair Johnston
Given Ralston’s inconsistency this season, if fit, it could be time for Johnston to be thrust in from the start. As a player who’s been there and done it, he’s not the type to fold under title race pressure.
Auston Trusty
Will want to make amends for his bizarre sending off in February’s 2-1 defeat to the Hibees when he struck the arm of Jamie McGrath. Also saw red in his last trip to Edinburgh at Hearts. Needs to keep the head as he’s a vital player.
Liam Scales
Another who’ll need to keep his discipline against the pace of Hibs forward Martin Boyle. Coped well with Falkirk’s Barney Stewart last weekend and will be looking to also keep the hosts’ attack quiet.
Kieran Tierney
Not a vintage performance from the left back last time out but still managed to get on the scoresheet. He was substituted with 20 minutes to go however O’Neill confirmed this was just a precaution. Wouldn’t be surprising to see Marcelo Saracchi again towards the end as Tierney’s minutes continue to be managed.
Callum McGregor
Mr Celtic is looking to lift his fifth Scottish title in a row and has now fully recovered from his early-March injury scare. When the captain plays well, generally so do the rest of the team as he’ll look to set the tone in Leith.
Arne Engels
Scorer of the decisive second goal in Celtic’s last trip to Easter Road when they prevailed 2-1. Another who has recently returned to full fitness and is expected to start from here on in.
Benjamin Nygren
Celtic’s output machine was quiet against the Bairns last weekend, but given his numbers this season simply cannot be dropped. Fifteen goals and five assists in his debut campaign is not to be sniffed at.
James Forrest
The St Mirren Scottish Cup win a fortnight ago perhaps proved he’s more effective off the bench, but with Celtic lacking depth out wide, he may be on course for his second successive start.
Sebastian Tounekti
Yang Hyun-jun has started every game since Celtic last played Hibs in February but has dipped in form of late. It would be a big call to start the Tunisian, who also can be effective from the bench but with Hibs fullback Felix Passlack suspended, he’ll have an opportunity to run at his replacement.
Daizen Maeda
Nailed on. The Japanese Duracell Bunny is hitting form at just the right time and is causing defences all sorts of problems with his seemingly never-ending press. Has five goal contributions in two games which he’ll be looking to add to on Sunday.
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