Idah To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian | OneFootball

A lion-hearted performance at Allianz Arena went in vain when a last-gasp equalizer from Bayern Munich shattered Celtic on Tuesday night. The Hoops’ spirited European run comes to an end, but they remain in the driver’s seat for a ‘domestic treble’ ahead of locking horns with Hibernian in the Premiership.

The Hibs have been unbeaten since their defeat at Parkhead in early December. The race is open for a third-place finish, but the Saturday early kick-off outing at Easter Road would be the toughest possible test since securing a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rangers in their first home fixture of 2025. Celtic must overcome the midweek disappointment and aim for an emphatic win to maintain their staggering lead at the pinnacle of the league standings.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel pulled off multiple saves against the Bavarians, but he could not stop Alphonso Davies from finding a scrappy injury-time equalizer. The veteran Dane has only conceded 12 league goals, and therefore, should aim for a clean sheet against the Hibees to ensure a comprehensive victory.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 18: Alistair Johnston of Celtic vies with Rocky Bushri of Hibernia during the Premier Sports Cup match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on August 18, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Bhoys have a stable central defensive option in Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USMNT pair must keep their place in the heart of the backline ahead of Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and the young academy prospect Dane Murray. Right fullback Alistair Johnston should keep his place over Anthony Ralston, however, Jeffrey Schlupp, who started against Bayern, could be replaced by Greg Taylor on the left.

Midfield

Callum McGregor was mostly confined to marshalling the defence in Munich but is expected to exhibit his attacking traits with down-the-middle movements. Although Arne Engels and Reo Hatate are the preferred ‘number 8’ options, Luke McCowan could get the nod over the Japanese ace to avoid fatigue and fitness concerns. Paulo Bernardo continues to be sidelined with an injury sustained against Raith Rovers in their Scottish Cup encounter, and the gaffer Brendan Rodgers must manage the minutes carefully due to the lack of depth in the middle of the park.

Attack

Versatile Daizen Maeda was deployed as a ‘number 9’ against Bayern but could get shifted down the wide following an injury to Nicolas Kuhn sustained soon after finding the net during Tuesday’s clash. Adam Idah should spearhead the attack and the gaffer might rely on Jota on the right over Yang Hyun-Jun. The in-form South Korean wideman is likely to be involved as a second-half substitute.