Johnstone To Keep His Place? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian

Johnstone To Keep His Place? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian Despite breaking the deadlock early in the second half, Celtic conceded twice within minutes to Celta Vigo and suffered another European defeat on Thursday night. They now travel to Easter Road to face Hibernian, and the Hoops must take all three points to maintain their cushion at the top of the Premiership. Hibs, stuck at rock bottom in the table, are having a nightmare with just two wins in 9 games. David Gray’s dismissal has not changed their fortune, with new boss Marink Reedijk losing to Dundee United and Falkirk since succeeding the Scotsman. Celtic clinched identical 2-1 wins in Edinburgh when they visited Hibernian last season, and the home side need to punch above their weight to script an upset on Sunday afternoon. Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian Defence Martin O’Neill restored Sam Johnstone in goal against Celta Vigo, replacing Viljami Sinisalo. The veteran custodian might now keep his place, having lost it to the Finnish shotstopper following their shambolic 3-0 defeat to Old Firm rivals Rangers before the international break. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: James Forrest of Celtic shoots at goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Hibernian FC at Celtic Park on May 10, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Alistair Johnston is back in team training but must not be rushed into action, given his recurring injury problems. Colby Donovan should get the nod on the right ahead of Anthony Ralston and Jordan Lotomba, but the gaffer could drop Liam Scales and restore Auston Trusty to partner with Dane Murray in deep defence. Kieran Tierney is expected to retain his left-back spot over Landon Emenalo. Midfield Skipper Callum McGregor, a shadow of his earlier self, is likely to feature again as a deep-lying playmaker. The Bhoys lack a like-for-like replacement for the Scottish midfielder, but could rely on versatile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to manage his minutes in the middle of the park. Mika Baur must showcase his box-to-box movements and down-the-middle runs while pairing up with McGregor as the ‘double pivot’. Benjamin Nygren has been scrutinised for his lack of work ethic as a ‘number 10’. But the Swedish ace has been consistent with his goals and assists, cementing his spot over Oliver Sorensen and Luke McCowan. Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand must operate from the flanks; however, the latter’s minutes should be managed carefully as he could not complete the Hearts and Celta fixtures due to fitness reasons. Hyun-jun Yang remains sidelined, but James Forrest, Sebastian Tounekti and Jota could feature from the bench as second-half substitutes. Attack Kasper Hogh should fight for his place, as he lost the starting status to Camilo Duran, who is in flying form while spearheading the attack.