Celtic’s Premiership title race has suddenly become a live, frantic scrap again, and their trip to Hibernian on Sunday looks like one of those fixtures that can change the mood of an entire run-in. With Hearts now only three points clear after last weekend’s results, every slip is under the microscope, and Celtic know they cannot afford to treat Easter Road as anything less than a must-win venue.
The Glasgow side’s latest surge has been built on momentum as much as quality. A win over Falkirk kept the pressure on the top of the table, while Rangers’ defeat to Motherwell shuffled the standings and pushed Celtic into a stronger chasing position. In a season where the margins have been thin, the league picture has tightened at exactly the wrong time for the leaders.
But Easter Road is never a simple stop on the calendar. Hibernian have the kind of energy and intensity that can unsettle even the strongest visitors, and they will fancy their chances of disrupting Celtic’s rhythm in front of their own crowd. For the Scottish champions, the job is not just about winning; it is about showing they can handle the pressure that comes with a title chase that is now entering its most unforgiving phase.
Recent history does lean in Celtic’s favour, though not by a huge margin. The sides met in Edinburgh earlier this campaign, and the Hoops came out on top. They also claimed the points at Celtic Park in the reverse fixture, with both victories finishing 2-1. Before that, the teams shared the spoils in September when Brendan Rodgers was still in charge, a reminder that this is one of those matchups where control can disappear quickly.
Since Martin O’Neill took over, Celtic have looked sharper and more settled, and the club’s hopes of a domestic double have been revived by a four-game winning streak. That run has not only kept them alive in the league race, it has also restored a sense of confidence around the group. Our sources indicate the mood inside the camp has changed noticeably, with players buying into O’Neill’s direct, practical approach.
A major factor in that resurgence has been Viljami Sinisalo, who has stepped into the spotlight while Kasper Schmeichel recovers from a shoulder injury. The young goalkeeper has given the back line a steadier platform, and in a season where defensive stability has been tested, that has mattered. Celtic’s shape at the back has looked more organised, and that allows the side to build attacks with a little more calm.
The defensive picture is still complicated, though. Alistair Johnston’s return is a huge lift, but there is a sense that his minutes must be handled carefully across the final five games of the campaign. He is expected to be involved, but likely from the bench, with Anthony Ralston set to continue on the right side of defence after recently taking on more responsibility.
In the centre, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales appear to have the trust of the manager. With Cameron Carter-Vickers ruled out for the rest of the season after the injury he sustained last year, there is little appetite for unnecessary tinkering. Dane Murray and Benjamin Arthur remain options, but the evidence suggests O’Neill will keep faith with the more established pairing.
On the left, Kieran Tierney is expected to start and remains one of the key tactical pieces in this Celtic side. His energy, recovery pace and ability to push high up the pitch make him central to the balance of the team. If the match opens up late on, Marcelo Saracchi could be introduced as a fresh option, but Tierney is likely to set the tone from the outset.
Celtic Premiership title race pressure builds before Hibernian trip
In midfield, the return of Arne Engels gives Celtic an added layer of control. Alongside captain Callum McGregor, he offers the sort of double pivot that can smooth out transitions and help Celtic dominate territory. McGregor’s leadership remains vital, but Engels’ availability could be one of the most important selection boosts heading into a difficult away test.
Further forward, Benjamin Nygren has quietly become one of the most effective attacking players in the squad. His output in goals and assists has been decisive, and he has often operated as the connector between midfield and the front line. For a side chasing down a title, players like Nygren can be the difference between three points and another frustrating draw.
There may also be a small reshuffle in the wide areas. James Forrest started against Falkirk, but the manager could choose to restore Sebastian Tounekti to the XI after his strong cameo, which included setting up Daizen Maeda and helping Celtic re-establish a two-goal cushion. On the right, Yang Hyun-Jun looks likely to keep his place, giving the attack pace and directness on both flanks.
The bench should also carry plenty of options. Forrest, Luke McCowan, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Reo Hatate all provide different profiles if the match demands a change in tempo or shape. That depth could prove crucial if Hibs keep the game tight into the second half, especially with so much at stake in the league table.
Up front, all eyes will be on Daizen Maeda, who appears to have snapped out of a difficult spell in the best possible way. His two goals and one assist against the Bairns were a sharp reminder of what he brings when he is on song: relentless running, direct finishing and the ability to stretch defences. For Celtic, that kind of form is timely.
Maeda is expected to lead the line ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho, Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu, all of whom remain alternatives, but none of whom have displaced the Japanese forward at the front of the queue. If Celtic are to keep their Premiership title race alive and maintain the pressure on Hearts, they will need Maeda to carry that recent form into one of their hardest away days left this season.
Sunday’s match has all the ingredients of a defining fixture. For Celtic, it is not just about picking up three points in Edinburgh; it is about proving the chase is real, the momentum is sustainable and the pressure is landing where they want it to. As we reported earlier, this title race has narrowed quickly, and now the champions must show they can deal with the heat.