Celtic will look to claim their seventh Scottish Premiership win in a row when they travel to Hibs
Brendan Rodgers will aim to guide Celtic to another Scottish Premiership win.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has named his starting team to face Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Hoops come into this clash on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Atletico Madrid, which is by no means a poor result against the Spanish giants – and there will be a tinge of disappointment that Celtic couldn’t have taken all three points given that the side from the Spanish capital were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining.
Saturday represents a different type of capital challenge. Hibs have been in indifferent form all season, but with just one loss in six games under Nick Montgomery they’ve proven a tough nut to crack. Celtic could take inspiration from their rivals Rangers after Philippe Clement’s side beat them 4-0 last weekend but Rodgers is under no illusions that they’ll be a tough side to beat.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Rodgers said: “I really like what Nick’s trying to do. Obviously only just in the door and looking to play an offensive game with that philosophy. There’s probably a lot of people telling him that’s not the way to go or the way to do it but I went through that many years ago in my early stages.
“I like that they’re trying to build the game from behind, work their way through the lines with speed and quality and looking to play an attacking game. It’s the traditions of Hibs as a club that I’ve ever known they’ve always played good football and he’s looking to implement his ideas to the club and team. There’s been some really good performances so it’ll be a tough game for us.
“They want to play but there’s no right or wrong style or system, it’s about what the manager believes in and works on every day, studied through his career. You only really know what your philosophy is when you’re stood on the touchline under pressure. When the light’s shining, the curtains go back and the crowd are on top of you.
“Nick’s obviously very clear in how he wants to work which is great, you need that inherent belief.”
CELTIC Starting XI: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, O’Riley, Palma, Maeda, Kyogo
Subs: Bain, Phillips, Yang, Turnbull, Oh, Tomoki, Forrest, Ralston, Johnston.
