Celtic Predicted XI vs Hibernian: Big debuts at Parkhead

The winter break is set to come to an end on Monday as Celtic welcome Hibernian to Parkhead. The Hoops fans will have great memories from their last encounter, which ended with the club ending their trophyless streak and lifting the Scottish League Cup. On that occasion, Kyogo Furuhashi was the hero, scoring a wonderful brace despite not being 100 per cent fit for the game.

This time around though, it feels unlikely that the Japanese star will feature. He was forced off the pitch once again, in the final game before the winter break and there has not been much news about his injury status, which suggests that he might still be out for a little while. Although, Ange Postecoglou has been known to spring a surprise from time to time.

On the other hand, Jota has returned to training, but the Portuguese winger might potentially be a bit away from full fitness as well.

Unlike before the winter break, Celtic do have more squad depth now though, having brought in Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Johnny Kenny this month, and we might get to witness a few debuts against Hibernian.

Celtic Predicted XI vs Hibernian: Big debuts at Parkhead

Here’s how we think Ange Postecoglou should line Celtic up when they take on Hibernian at Parkhead, with the winter break coming to an end:

Joe Hart

When Celtic signed Hart in the summer, many raised their eyebrows at the move. The English goalkeeper had not been a regular starter for a club for a while at that point of time. It is safe to say though that he has come in and made the first-team gloves his own at Parkhead.

Thus, if fit and available, there is very little doubt about who will be starting between the posts for Celtic against Hibernian.