Predicted Celtic XI vs Hibs: O'Neill to make bold selection between sticks after Europa League nightmare
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his Celtic starting XI against Hibs on Sunday
Celtic followed their last-gasp win over Kilmarnock last Sunday with a humbling Europa League defeat in midweek, but next up for Martin O’Neill’s side is a return to Premiership action against top-four hopefuls Hibs.
The Hoops’ incredible streak of scoring late goals continued at Rugby Park last weekend, when Julian Araujo’s 97th minute winner sparked bedlam in the away end. However, the champions were brought crashing back down to earth in the Europa League on Thursday night, going down 4-1 to Stuttgart in their knockout play-off first-leg.
That fixture came at an awkward time in the midst of a nail-biting three-horse domestic title race, and the home support will be demanding a positive reaction and return to winning ways when David Gray’s men rock up at Parkhead.
The bruising loss to Stuttgart was only O’Neill second defeat as Celtic manager this term, but his side are unbeaten in their last six league games. They face a Hibs team who ran out 2-0 winners over struggling St Mirren on home soil last weekend as they look to chase down Motherwell above them in the table.
Here’s how we think Celtic will line up against Hibs on Sunday afternoon:
Kasper Schmeichel - GK
Not for the first time this season, the veteran Danish international has come under scathing criticism for his performances. Had an absolute shocker against Stuttgart on Thursday night, conceding four times, of which two were his own fault. Expected to be given a vote of confidence, though, by O’Neill.
Julian Araujo - RB
Hero of the hour last weekend against Kilmarnock, but offered little against the Germans in midweek. Will need to dust himself down quickly, like many of his team-mates.
Auston Trusty - RCB
One of Celtic’s standout players on the European front this term and will need to deliver another big performance against a strong Hibs side.
Liam Scales - LCB
Part of a leaky backline who shipped four goals at home to Stuttgart. He’ll need to maintain focus better to prevent Hibs attacking players out.
Marcello Saracchi - LB
You just wonder if playing three games in the space of seven days might be too big of an ask for Kieran Tierney, which is why the Boca Juniors loanee could be reinstated. Has looked good off the bench in recent cameos and might just be given the nod here. A fresher option.
Callum McGregor - CM
The skipper basked in the celebrations at Rugby Park last Sunday but was largely ineffective against Stuttgart as the Bundesliga side bossed the midfield battle. A rare off night by his standards. Will be vitally important going into the run-in.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - CM
The former Liverpool and Arsenal star is expected to be called on given he had to watch on from the stands on Thursday night. With Engels injured and Bernardo doing little vs Stuttgart to suggest he merits keeping his place, it’s time for the OX to be unleashed.
Benjamin Nygren - CM
The Swede has lacked consistency at times this season, but his numbers make for impressive reading, taking his tally to 17 goals for the campaign on Thursday. Was Celtic’s top performer on an otherwise grim night.
Sebastian Tounekti - LW
Has been a real game-changer off the bench in recent weeks and while he may be more of a threat as a substitute, it’s difficult to overlook the Tunisian international given his current rich vein of form.
Daizen Maeda - RW
Has been an empty jersey in recent times, but he’s a player O’Neill could effectively start in every game between now and the end of the season due to his unpredictability. Might just conjure up a moment of magic when Celtic need it most.
Tomas Cvancara - CF
Borussia Monchengladbach loanee fared well against Stuttgart, becoming embroiled in a decent tussle with Jeff Chabot. Soldiered on by feeding of scraps most of the night but was perhaps a tad unfortunate not to score.