Postecoglou To Make A Change? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian | OneFootball

Celtic are enjoying a blistering run of late with successive wins across competitions. They are closing the gap with bitter rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings and eyeing another victory on Wednesday night against Hibernian. Hibs were flying high in early weeks, however, three defeats in a row handed them a major blow prior to hosting the Hoops at Easter Road.

The Bhoys had a dreadful 2020-21 term where they were held to a 2-2 draw. Late goals from Odsonne Edouard and Diego Laxalt saved Celtic’s night, also the other two meetings earlier this year ended all square. The players, therefore, must be upbeat to break the hoodoo on the road.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian

Defence

Joe Hart has cemented his ‘number 1’ status with successive clean sheets. Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain stand no chance anymore to salvage their place between the sticks. The veteran Englishman would command from the last line of defence against Hibernian.

Despite an array of erroneous outings, Ange Postecoglou relied on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt as his prime central defensive pairing. They seem to have settled in new surroundings and formed great coordination in the heart of the backline. Anthony Ralston has been productive from the wide with his marauding runs, attacking expertise, crosses and cut insides. He should keep hold of his right-back role, whereas fit-again Josip Juranovic is likely to feature as a makeshift left fullback similar to the last weekend’s St. Johnstone outing.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 23: Josip Juranović of Celtic scores from the penalty spot during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at on October 23, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)

Midfield

The return of skipper Callum McGregor has restored stability in the middle of the park. His high work ethic, vision, distribution and down the middle runs have helped the Hoops orchestrate the game and dominate possession. David Turnbull has been sublime so far while operating in a box-to-box role, also the dribbling trait, through balls and creative spark of Tom Rogic have added flexibility as well as variation. The likes of James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro and Nir Bitton would be there among substitutes to challenge and cover the first-team stars.

Attack

Although Giorgos Giakoumakis fired in his maiden Celtic goal versus the Saints, the Greece international should make way for Liel Abada who offers width, pace and swift movements in the attacking third. Filipe Jota is irreplaceable down the left, and the sheer excellence of Kyogo Furuhashi has relieved the Bhoys in spite of Edouard and Ryan Christie’s high-profile exits south of the border. Mikey Johnston, Adam Montgomery and Albian Ajeti might make a difference if deployed at some stage of the second half.