Celtic's Challenge: A High-Stakes Clash with Hibernian

Match Overview

This Sunday, Celtic heads to Edinburgh to face Hibernian in a pivotal Scottish Premiership clash. With Celtic currently sitting second in the table with 70 points, just three points behind leaders Hearts, this match could have significant implications for the championship race.

Key Details

• Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
• Kick-off: 12pm BST
• Venue: Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh

Hibernian Team News

Hibernian steps into this match under pressure, reeling from a series of suspensions that have destabilized their squad following a tumultuous Edinburgh derby. Manager David Gray faces a major reshuffle in defense as key players Raphael Sallinger, Felix Passlack, and Grant Hanley are sidelined due to bans.

Youthful talents Jordan Smith and Kanayochukwu Megwa are poised to take on larger roles, which brings both excitement and uncertainty as they stand in for the experienced absentees. Additionally, the club is still missing Rudi Molotnikov and Munashe Garananga due to injuries.

Celtic's Squad Challenges

Celtic isn't without its own challenges. The squad managed by Martin O'Neill is missing several first-team players, including goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and defensive stalwart Cameron Carter-Vickers. Viljami Sinisalo steps in as the plan B in goal, but questions surrounding defensive depth loom large.

Despite the issues, Celtic finds itself in formidable attacking form, with Daizen Maeda leading a charge that has seen them on a winning streak following a 6-2 cup demolition of St Mirren and a solid 3-1 win over Falkirk last weekend.

Current Form

Hibernian

Struggling to find consistent form, Hibernian has lost back-to-back league matches, including a damaging 2-1 defeat to Hearts. However, Easter Road has been a fortress prior to this dip, showcasing their capability to compete fiercely in front of home fans. Currently ranked 5th with 51 points, they'll need a resurgence to maintain ambitions for European qualification.

Celtic

Celtic arrives in good spirits, riding a wave of momentum from recent victories. The squad recognizes the urgency of maintaining pressure on Hearts as the league enters the final stretch; any slip-up could be costly at this crucial juncture.

Predicted Lineups

Hibernian: Smith; Megwa, O'Hora, Bushiri, Obita, Cadden; Chaiwa, Barlaser; McGrath; Elding, Boyle.

Celtic: Sinisalo; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels; Forrest, Nygren, Hyun-Jun; Maeda.

How to Watch

Fans in the UK can catch the live action on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, marking what promises to be an edge-of-your-seat encounter as both teams seek to establish their dominance in this crucial match.