Celtic predicted XI vs Hibs… Brendan Rodgers makes three changes as ‘explosive’ 26-year-old starts

Wed 7 February 2024 9:45, UK Updated Wed 7 February 2024 10:12, UK

Celtic’s game against Hibs tonight has now taken on an extra edge in terms of the title race after Rangers beat Aberdeen last night to go within one goal at the top of the table.

The Scottish champions have struggled to recapture the scintillating form and football that the fans had gotten used to under Ange Postecoglou but they are still top of the league heading into the game at Easter Road tonight.

With many of Celtic’s players failing to impress in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen, Rodgers has some decisions to make on who will start and who will drop to the bench after the Hoops lost more ground at the top of the table.

So with that in mind, here is my Celtic Predicted XI to face Hibs.

Maik Nawrocki drops out as Stephen Welsh starts for Celtic vs Hibs

The former Polish u21 international has struggled to break into the team this season. Granted, injury and the form of Liam Scales has hampered the start of his Celtic career but having spent £4.3m on him in the summer, he has failed to make the matchday squad on eleven occasions this season.

Against Aberdeen, Nawrocki looked slow and undecisive in a one-v-one with Bojan Miovski and was also very lucky not be sent off for a rash challenge when on a yellow.

He was eventually hooked for Stephen Welsh who came on and .

Anthony Ralston replaces Alexandro Bernabie for Celtic vs Hibs

Let’s face it, Bernabei simply hasn’t got what it takes to be a successful player for Celtic. It’s been two years now and the £3.75m the club paid for him seems like a waste of money now.

The form of Greg Taylor has been a major factor in Bernabei’s struggles at Celtic but whenever he gets a chance, he fails to do anything of note to impress.

The Argentine is clearly not fancied by Rodgers and his part in Aberdeen’s opener on Saturday will weigh on Rodgers’ mind.

Anthony Ralston will step in and whilst it means playing him out of position, the Scotland defender is more reliable, gives his all and is a brilliant passer of the ball.

Rodgers has already earmarked Ralston as having a good future at Celtic and tonight, I believe, the 25-year-old will get his chance against Hibs.

Luis Palma drops out, Daizen Maeda starts for Celtic vs Hibs

The Honduran has had a great start to his Celtic career. Scoring goals and creating assists in the Champions League, Palma was lapping up all the plaudits.

Recently though, the 23-year-old has been struggling to reach those heights and with Maeda back from international duty, the ‘explosive‘ Japanese midfielder gets the nod.

I explained Maeda’s importance to Celtic here and with Rodgers declaring him fit and healthy then he must start.

That would mean moving either Nicolas Kuhn or Maeda onto the right flank which isn’t an issue as both players have the versatility to do that.

Where to watch Hibs vs Celtic, TV details, radio coverage

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 7pm.

Celtic TV will also show live coverage of the match for subscribers outside the UK and Ireland with a live audio stream available for UK subscribers.

The game can also be streamed on NowTV for a one-off payment of £11.99.

Live commentary will also be offered on BBC Radio Scotland with coverage and analysis beginning at 7pm.

Highlights will also be shown on BBC One Scotland on Sportscene at 10:40pm.