Green Day Cup Showdown
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


The Celts & Hibs go head to head in the Scottish Cup Quarter Final on Sunday


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Sunday, 9 March 2025
15.00 GMT

The Hoops will know that they need to be at their best this coming weekend, when they face Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Qusrter Final, with a spot in the Final Four up for grabs.

Brendan Rodgers' side are considered the be favourites at this stage to retain their Scotrtish Cup crown, but after the Edinburgh side's controversial (but on the balance of play, probably deserved) victory at Easter Road in the League last month, it will be far from a straight forward affair, despite Celtic's dominance in this fixture at Home.

The Celts' depth from off the bench was what proved so critical last week, as the Bhoys were able to overcome St Mirren, 5-2, after twice being pegged back by the Paisley club, with Yang Hyun-Jun notching two superb headed goals as well as an assist. And it is entirely possible that this squad depth could prove critical this weekend also.

After such a sustained and hectic schedule that goes back to November, Brendan Rodgers will welcome the additional time off between games for the Bhoys, which will allow for a few things to be worked on during the week, in addition for added time for players to overcome the little niggles typical at this point, as the manager charts the team's progress for the remainder of the campaign going forward.


Dazisen Maeda has scored 3 times against Hibs this season, including once at Easter Road last month

The Edinburgh outfit have now gone 15 games unbeaten - and have lost just once in their last 18 overall. That sole defeat coming during their last visit to Parkhead, back at the beginning of December, when Celtic ran out 3-0 winners, despite the scoreline not quite being an accurate reflection of the balance of play.

David Gray and his team cannot be taken for granted in any way. Not only have they transformed their form, they will be cheered on by 7000 visiting supporters also, which will only add to the atmosphere of the occasion.

And coming into this game on the back of a recent win over the Hoops, the visitors will be wanting to prove that it was no mere fluke, as they look for theirt first win at Celtic Park since January 2010 - when Tony Mowbray was the Celtic boss.​

December: Arne Engels gave Celtic the early lead v Hibs when these sides last met at Parkhead

Stats & Facts​

• The Hoops have lost just once at Parkhead across all competitions, including the Champions League, since December 2023.

• Since 2017, Celtic have won 14 of the past 27 matches between these sides (P27 W14 D9 L4).

• Celtic have not lost to Hibs at 'Home' since 2010 and are undefeated in the Scottish Cup by Hibs for nearly 40 years (1986).

• The Leith club are currently on a 15 match unbeaten run (P15 W11 D4 L0) across both League & Cup since early December.

Yang has contributed 4 goals & 5 assists in his last 6 appearances, including 2 goals v St Mirrien

Team News

Brendan Rodgers has a couple of fitness concerns in his squad, given that Paulo Bernardo (ankle) remains sidelined and will be joined by Liam Scales (cheekbone). Elsewhere. Auston Trusty is a slight doubt, but Callum McGregor has been cleared, while James Forrest, who has been back in training for a couple of weeks now will also be contending for inclusion in the matchday squad, having been out since December.

The recent form of Yang Hyun-Jun could see the manager potentially awarding hiw with another start, after the winger has contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 226 minutes across his past 6 appearances - or roughly a contribution every 25 minutes of football!​

As for the visitors, Elie Youan (foot), Joe Newell (groin) and Marvin Ekpiteta (thigh) are out, while Warren O'Hora is also a doubt. Kwon Hyeok-kyu once again is required to sit out, as the South Korean midfielder cannot play against his parent club, however Alasana Mannah could be in contention following his return from suspension.

Referee: Nick Walsh

The highly rated Walsh made his Scottish Cup debut in 2012 and has been appointed to almost 30 games in this competition since, including two Finals, in 2021 and 2024.

Celtic Overall Record
M:40 W:34 D:5 L:1

VAR: Kevin Clancy


~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:325 W:187 D:82 L:56​

Last 5 Meetings
L W W W W

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

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

SPFL
W W L W W ~ W W W D W​