Celtic predicted XI vs Hibs: Two changes as verdict made on returning injured duo and attacking shake-up

Celtic return to domestic action this weekend against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Team selection will be vitally important for manager Martin O’Neill at Easter Road - a venue which hasn’t always been a happy-hunting ground for the champions in recent years. However, Celtic should be heading to the capital brimming with confidence on the domestic front, having hammered rivals Hearts 7-1 at home last Sunday.

Despite this, Celtic’s 2-1 defeat in the Europa League at home to Celta Vigo on Thursday night brought them back down to earth somewhat. O’Neill made one change for the league phase clash from the Hearts hammering and not too many are expected for Sunday either. Although there are some selection headaches for the gaffer to ponder.

Returning injured defenders Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers could be considered for selection for Sunday having both trained through the week. Meanwhile a decision will have to be made on record-breaking signing Kasper Hogh after Camilo Duran has been preferred to him twice as number nine. Using their tried and tested 4-3-3 formation, here’s how we think Celtic will line up against Hibs:

GK - Viljami Sinisalo

Dropped for Sam Johnstone through the week for squad rotation. Wolves loanee didn’t do too much wrong but the Finn has been in better form overall of late.

RB - Colby Donovan

Johnston’s back but thrusting him into a fixture like this may be a risk. Plus, the 19-year old has stepped up to the plate in his absence.

CB - Dane Murray

Another who has vastly improved in recent weeks. Blocked everything in sight during the week. Too soon for Carter-Vickers perhaps.

CB - Liam Scales

He’s led the back line well in recent weeks and has now made the left-sided centre back position his own. He’s started to look a lot more comfortable on the ball of late too.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Still very little competition for places at left back. The Scotland international has been asked to play more minutes this season but so far has handled it well.

CM - Callum McGregor

The captain remains the first name on the team sheet despite not being at his best this season. Legs may be fading but the quality is still there.

CM - Mika Baur

Goalscorer in midweek with one of his trademark late runs into the area, which give defenders another thing to think about when Celtic attack.

AM - Benjamin Nygren

Three goals and an assist in the league since the international break. The Swede has returned to the form we saw last season.

RW - Camilo Duran

Deployed on the right in an attacking shake-up. He didn’t look at his best through the middle on Thursday night. In for Haissem Hassan, who has been criticised recently for his work rate.

LW - Callum Osmand

The in-form Welshman went off with cramp at half time against Celta Vigo - but if he can stay fit, his frightening pace could be a huge asset for Celtic going forward.

ST - Kasper Hogh

A controversial choice perhaps given his 14-game goal drought for club and country. However, his first half hat-trick at Kilmarnock proved if he gets the chances he can put them away. Against a shaky Hibs defence, Celtic should create opportunities.