‘Fortress Paradise’ Milestone for Hibs Visit

‘Fortress Paradise’ Milestone for Hibs Visit
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~

Nicholas Kuhn impressed in the 2-0 Premiership win against Hibs at Easter Road back in August


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 7 December 2024
15.00 GMT

The Hoops are seeking a 7th straight Premiership victory, but that is far from all they will be playing for, as thew are on the cusp of a historical achievement when they go head to head with visitors, Hibernian at Parkhead, tomorrow.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had to show real grit as they overcame Aberdeen, 1-0, in a top of the table clash through the week, amid horrendous weather conditions, a bear pit-esque support and defiant Dons team, and in so doing did what no other side had been able to do at Pittodrie since February, with Greg Taylor and Reo Hatate combining for one moment of absolute class to be enough.

Now attention turns to a visit by the side from Leith, who despite currently sitting in 11th place, are beginning to show signs that they could be beginning to to turn the corner and there is no room for complacency or resting on laurels for the Bhoys.

History Beckons

The Hoops are closing in on a full calendar year undefeated at Paradise across all competitions, since they went down to Hearts in mid-December 2023. This is a rare feat indeed. The Hoops have done this in the league and even in all domestic competitions combined, but to do it across all competitions including European football is truly a rarity.

Considering that the Bhoys next ‘home’ match is not until Boxing Day, should Celtic avoid defeat tomorrow, that would secure that significant milestone in creating ‘Fortress Paradise’ - to avoid defeat in all competitions including Europe has not been achieved since the days of Martin O’Neill!


Reo Hatate’s goal proved to be the difference as Celtic defeated Aberdeen 1-0 in midweek

As for the visitors, their 3-0 away win against Motherwell saw them leapfrog their city rivals, Hearts, from off the foot of the league ladder. It was a deserved result that carried on the momentum of their dramatic 3-3 draw with Aberdeen, a week ago.

That said, David Gray’s side will need to continue to build if they are to get away from the drop zone entirely, but if they are to cause a significant upset against the Bhoys at Parkhead, then they will need to do what no other Hibs side have accomplished since Tony Mowbray was still the Celtic boss!

Stats & Facts​

• Celtic are currently on an undefeated run at home across all competitions that extends back to last December.

• Since Hibs won promotion back to the Premiership in 2017, the Bhoys have won 13 of the past 25 meetings overall between these sides (P25 W13 D9 L3).

• The Hoops have been undefeated by the Hibees at Celtic Park since January 2010.

Daizen at the Double: Maeda scored twice in the 3-1 League Cup win when these sides last met​

Team News

Brendan Rodgers should have plenty of options to choose from, given that fringe midfielder Odin Thiago Holm (calf) is the only absentee though injury, and the manager has already demonstrated a willingness to rotate players in his starting XI, as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast, and perhaps with half an eye on the trip to Zagreb in the Champions League, this coming week.

As for the visitors, Kieron Bowie (hamstring) remains sidelined, while Kwon Hyeok-kyu will also be required to sit out, as the South Korean midfielder cannot play against his parent club.

Referee: Chris Graham

Having made his Premiership debut in 2022, Graham has previously officiated 23 games. The Hoops have won both of the previous occasions when he has been the referee; a 3-0 League win against St Mirren back in August, in addition to one Scottish Cup game, against Buckie Thistle, also earlier this year.

Celtic Overall Record
M:2 W:2 D:0 L:0

VAR: Gavin Duncan​

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 323 W: 186 D: 82 L: 55​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W W D

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~

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

SPFL
W W W W W ~ W D L L D​