Hoops Hoping To Keep Spirits High

Hoops Hoping To Keep Spirits High
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Celtic v Hibernian
Scottish Premier League
Parkhead
Saturday, September 1, 2012
KO: 15:00


Morale is high in the Celtic camp right now and Neil Lennon and his side will undoubtedly be planning on keeping it that way against Hibernian in an early season top of the table clash. The Edinburgh side will be hoping though that the Hoops have perhaps overlooked this fixture in all the excitement over the Champions League draw which saw them paired with Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow.


There is little chance of the Bhoys showing any complacency though. Neil Lennon was quick to tell reporters after the draw that they would not be getting carried away and still had a big game against Hibs to focus on. Pat Fenlon's side currently sit in second place but are level on points with Celtic who are at the summit on goal difference at the moment although Hibernian have played one game more.


It is vital that Celtic do pick up all three points in this one as there is no doubt that when the Champions League begins, the intense level of competition and playing twice a week could affect performances while on domestic duty as very few of these players have competed at such a high level before although last season's Europa League run should give the team some idea of what is in store.



Hooper was the architect of destruction last time the sides met


The last time the two clubs met in the SPL was in February this year at Easter Road and Celtic ran out 5-0 winners after a scintillating performance. Gary Hooper hit the back of the net twice and Anthony Stokes, Ki Sung Yueng and Charlie Mulgrew also got on the score sheet as Celtic ran riot in the capital on the way to the title. That day too is perhaps best remembered for the celebrations of the travelling support as it became apparent the future of Rangers was in serious doubt.


At home too Celtic will be very confident of managing to secure all three points and although the Hibees held them to a 0-0 draw in Glasgow early last season, the Bhoys have won 98 time out of 150 meetings at Parkhead. Celtic have also won each game they have played at home since drawing that blank with the most recent coming on the opening day of this season with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen thanks to Kris Commons late strike. Hibs though have reason to be more confident than usual having put last season's horror season behind them if early form is anything to go by as they have managed to win two of their last six on the road.



Hibs' danger man is on a good run of form


Fenlon though will be confident of springing an upset if Leigh Griffiths continues to supply the goals for his side with the striker in something of a purple patch at the moment as he leads the SPL scoring charts with three goals alongside Johnny Russell of Dundee United and will be expected to partner Eoin Doyle in attack. Irish midfielder Gary Deegan has been brought in from Coventry City and he will be hoping to push for a start. He is a player the Hibernian boss knows well as he starred under him during his time with Bohemians.


Lewis Stevenson and James McPake return to the squad and with few injury worries, the main thing for the visitors will be bouncing back after their shock midweek League Cup exit at the hands of Queen of the South with a less than convincing performance. They will be heartened though by the prospect of going top of the SPL should they pick up the win in Glasgow.


Celtic still have Anthony Stokes sidelined through injury and he is expected to remain out for the next 10 weeks while Georgios Samaras' midweek knock could see him lose out on a starting spot to young Tony Watt who impressed last week against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Scott Brown required an injection on a hip problem to take to the field on Wednesday night and is out for the next three weeks while the injuries that kept Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley out of action in the Champions League will see them sit out this game too.



Tony Watt will be eager to continue his scoring spree against Hibs


One to Watch:​

Leigh Griffiths - The young Hibernian striker will be keen to keep his own fine run of form going with a goal against Celtic in Glasgow and this is a massive season for the player to prove himself.

Squads

Celtic (from): Forster, Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Rogne, Forrest, Commons, Wanyama, Twardzik, McCourt, Hooper, Zaluska, Keatings, Chalmers, Watt, Slane, George.​

Form: WDW

Hibernian (from): Williams, Antell, Grant, Clancy, Booth, Hanlon, McPake, O'Hanlon, Stephens, Kujabi, Smith, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Sproule, Stanton, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Maybury, Deegan, Kuqi, Stevenson.​

LDWW


Odds:
Celtic: 2/9, Draw: 9/2, Hibernian: 14/1

P.W.
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