Hoops & Hibees Go Head to Head
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


May: Reo Hatate is congratulated for his goal in the 3-1 win against Hibs at the end of last season


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 27 September 2025
15.00 BST

The Celts return to Premiership duty this weekend, when they host the visit of the undefeated 4th placed Hibernian.​

Celtic are coming into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw in their Europa League matchup against Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. It was a performance which at times saw the Bhoys ride their luck, apart from a short 5 minute period in the second half in which all of Celtic's best chances were created.

There continued to be elements of that same pragmatism that was adopted during last season's Continental campaign, with Liam Scales probably the main standout, while Colby Donovan, Kasper Schmeichel and Sebastian Tounetki all contributed postively, and substute Kalechi Iheanacho stealing the headlines for his fine finish.

But the challenge of playing in Europe is always the return to the bread and butter of domestic affairs, and given the League form Hibernian have been in since December last year, they don't get much tougher.

This will also be the first game at Paradise in more than a month, and considering there has been elements of discontent among some supporters, it will be interesting to observe the sort of atmosphere that awaits, both in the build up, and also when the sides take to the pitch and when the whistle blows.


Liam Scales made a series of crucial defensive plays in the 1-1 draw with Red Star in midweek

The Edinburgh club have successfully maintained their undefeated start to the League season, however apart from the 2-1 win against Dundee on the opening day, they have been held to draws in each of their subsequent Premiership matches.

This includes earlier this week, when they were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Falkirk, only for the match to finish all square, 2-2.

No doubt the Hibees will be kicking themselves for having allowed points to slip through their grasp, but they have also proven time and time again their tenacity in being able to claw back from seemingly impossible positions to keep the run of form going, which has seen them lose just twice in the League since December last year.

This should be a tough test for the Bhoys, and will need to be ready for whatever David Gray's side has in store. While neither of these teams have been in absolute peak form, both have continued to find ways to keep their respective records alive, there is no doubt that these will not be easy for either side, both determined to take something from this eagerly anticipated clash. ​

Cameron Carter-Vickers tussles with Hibernian midfielder Josh Campbell last season

Stats & Facts​

• Celtic are undefeated against Hibernian at Parkhead since January 2010 (W18 D4).

• The Bhoys will be looking to continue their undefeated start to the season across all competitions, having conceded just three goals in 10 games overall (W6 D4).

• Hibs have lost just twice in the Premiership since early December (P27 W14 D11 L2), and remain undefeated so far this term, albeit with just one League win (W1 D4).

• While the visitors are undefeated in the League so far this season, they are yet to record a clean sheet in any of those matches.

• The Edinburgh outfit currently also have the best disciplinary and fairplay record in the Premiership at this early stage of the season, with the joint least bookings (7/0 joint w/ M'well), and the overall fewest fouls committed.

Kelechi Iheanacho's composed finish in midweek could see him handed a first start against Hibs

Team News

Brendan Rodgers has a couple of fitness concerns within the squad, including Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston (hamstring), Anthony Ralston (foot) and Austen Trusty (heel).

With Kelechi Iheanacho having seemingly hit the ground running with a point to prove, it wouldn't be a total shock if the manager was to name him in the starting XI.​

As for the visitors, David Gray will once again be without Alasana Manneh and Joe Newell, due to ongoing injury problems.

Referee: Don Robertson

The 38y.o. is currently the top rated active referee in Scotland, recently passed the landmark of 200 Premiership matches (201) in his career. This will be the 3rd time he has been appointed to a match involving Celtic this season, following the season opener 1-0 win v St Mirren and the 0-0 draw v Sevco.

Celtic Overall Record
M:47 W:38 D:5 L:4

VAR: Steven McLean

Weather

Saturday's forecast for Glasgow is for persistant rain with a moderate breeze and temperatures hovering around 13ºC at kick-off.


~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:327 W:189 D:82 L:56​

Last 5 Meetings
W W L W W

~~~~ 2025/26 Form ~~~~

All Comps
D W W D D ~ D L D D D

SPFL
W D W W W ~ D D D D W​