Hibernian vs Celtic Prediction & Betting Tips - Scottish Premiership

Prediction published on 05/02/2024, 15:00  by Ian John | Modified on 07/02/2024 at 07:00 in Football Predictions

Hibs face Celtic on Wednesday night in the Scottish Premiership has taken on added significance in the title race, following Celtic's 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at the weekend. That result means Rangers are now just three points behind Celtic, and have a game in hand on the Hoops. For Hibs, the game offers an opportunity to gain back some pride after a hugely disappointing 3-0 home defeat to St. Mirren at the weekend, their second 0-3 home defeat in a row after Rangers won by the same scoreline 10 days or so beforehand. Hibs last win in the SPL came back at the start of December, a narrow 1-0 win at Livingston, and their only victory since was another 1-0 win in the Scottish Cup at Forfar. Nick Montgomery has a big job on his hands to get his team ready for this tough encounter in midweek, although he can point positively to a 0-0 draw between the teams at Easter Road earlier in the season. 

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be aware of that 0-0 draw, and the fact Celtic lost 4-2 at Easter Road at the tail end of last season in the SPL. That goalless draw is one of just three SPL games on the road this season that Celtic have not won, so they will certainly be feeling the pressure here as Rangers close the gap on them at the top of the table. Having a number of stars missing for the Asian Cup didn't help Celtic, so Rodgers signed up young Irish striker Adam Idah from Norwich City on loan to help add options in attack. Celtic are unbeaten in seven but after two disappointing showings in their 1-0 win over Ross County, followed by the 1-1 draw at Aberdeen at the weekend, the pressure is on Rodgers team to start finding the same form that took them to the top of the SPL table earlier in the season.