Celtic v Hibs: team news, KO time, referee details & where to watch

Celtic face Hibernian this afternoon in the Scottish Premiership. Brendan Rodgers’ side battled to a 1-0 win at Pittodrie during the week despite efforts from the weather and Aberdeen. The Champions will be looking to continue their fine run of form ahead of a vital week of football.

With a UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday in Zagreb coming before Sunday’s League Cup Final against Rangers at Hampden, Brendan may look to make some changes across the team this afternoon.

Celtic’s first XI appears to pick itself at present but the manager will be conscious of the fixture load and the importance of keeping players fit and firing. From the team that won up in Aberdeen, you’d imagine the manager will make a few changes as he did against Ross County.

Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals.

A backline including Liam Scales is likely with perhaps Cameron Carter-Vickers taking a break from the team – notwithstanding his formidable display on Wednesday. Scales impressed last weekend and will be itching to do the same today. Alex Valle struggled so Greg Taylor may come in. Alistair Johnston is playing a lot of football and Brendan knows that he has a suitable, quality depute in Tony Ralston.

Predicted back four: Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor.

In the middle of the park, Callum McGregor will likely start alongside Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo again. Luke McCowan and Arne Engels will be in contention to start but will likely come on during the game.

In attack, you’d expect Adam Idah to lead the line with James Forrest and Daizen Maeda, with Nicolas Kühn taking a rest from the bench.

Chris Graham has been confirmed as the referee. Graham will be supported by assistants Dougie Potter and Steven Traynor.

Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Euan Anderson is on VAR duties, with Alan Mulvanny assisting.

The game kicks off at 3pm.

The game will be available on Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland due to the ‘3pm blackout’. The game is a sell out, even though Storm Darragh might lead to a few call offs. It is in circumstances such as this that Celtic could benefit from a ticketing exchange.