The Scottish Premiership continues this Sunday with a high-stakes clash at Easter Road as Hibernian host Celtic. The Hibees sit third in the table, while the visiting Bhoys occupy second place, four points behind leaders Hearts but with a game in hand. Both sides have shown strong form this season, and this encounter promises to be one of the weekend’s standout fixtures in Scotland.

Hibernian’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Hibernian have enjoyed a solid campaign so far, collecting five wins, six draws, and three defeats in the Premiership. They average 1.6 goals scored and 1.1 conceded per match, showing a balanced approach between attack and defense. Their recent run, however, has been mixed. After a 2-2 draw away to Livingston, they produced a convincing 3-0 win at St. Mirren and followed it up with a 2-0 home victory over Dundee. That momentum was halted last weekend when they fell 2-0 at Motherwell.

At Easter Road, Hibs have been particularly competitive, often starting games strongly — they have led at half time in 8 of their last 13 home matches. Their home crowd will once again be crucial as they look to end a difficult run against Celtic. Historically, the Hibees have struggled in this fixture, winning only one of the last ten meetings (D2, L7). The last encounter between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw at Celtic Park earlier this season, a result that offered a rare point of optimism for Hibs supporters.

Celtic’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Celtic arrive in Edinburgh in excellent form. After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, they have bounced back impressively. Domestically, they recorded a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock and a narrow but controlled 1-0 victory at St. Mirren. Their midweek performance in Europe was particularly eye-catching, as they defeated Feyenoord 3-1 away, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive discipline.

In the Premiership, Celtic’s record stands at 8 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats, with an average of 1.8 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match. Their defense has been one of the strongest in the league, keeping several clean sheets in recent weeks. The Hoops have also been consistent in creating chances, with over 7.5 corners taken in 19 of their last 20 matches. Their ability to dominate possession and press high up the pitch has made them a formidable opponent for any side in Scotland.

Hibernian vs Celtic: Tactical Overview

This fixture has often been a challenging one for Hibernian. Despite their solid home form, their record against Celtic remains poor, particularly at Easter Road, where they have managed just eight wins in their last 41 home meetings. The Hibees will need to be compact defensively and clinical on the counterattack if they are to trouble the visitors. Their recent scoring average of 1.4 goals per match suggests they can find the net, but maintaining defensive concentration for 90 minutes will be key.

Celtic, on the other hand, come into this match full of confidence. Their attacking trio has been in excellent form, and their recent European success has further boosted morale. The Hoops’ ability to control the tempo and exploit spaces in wide areas could prove decisive. Given their superior squad depth and recent momentum, they will look to extend their unbeaten domestic run and close the gap on Hearts at the top of the table.

Historically, matches between these two sides have often been open, but Celtic’s defensive solidity this season could limit Hibs’ opportunities. The visitors have conceded just 0.7 goals per game in the league, and their recent run of three consecutive Premiership wins without conceding highlights their current dominance.

BetMines Prediction: Hibernian vs Celtic

The most likely outcome is a Celtic win (2) with a 46% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 23%, while a Hibernian win (1) stands at 30%.

Given Celtic’s current form and their impressive defensive record, they are well-positioned to secure another victory. Hibernian’s resilience at home could make this a competitive encounter, but the visitors’ quality and consistency should ultimately prevail at Easter Road.