Ambitious Celtic are on track to win a “domestic treble” with a win over Hearts in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. They have already won the Carling Cup and their winning streak against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon must continue.
Victory at Parkhead would keep Hoops at the top of the Premier League table overall. They have already picked up two big wins against Hibs earlier in the season and manager Angie Postkoglu should demand a similar performance from his players before heading into the international break.
Predict 4-3-3 Celtic lineup to face Hibernian
defense
As fragile as it is at times, Joe Hart’s experience and expertise on the field are irreplaceable. Scott Bain, Benjamin Siegrist and Conor Hazard are out of the manager’s first-team plans for now.
Carl starfelt was injured last weekend so may not be able to play in upcoming games. Yuki Kobayashi will likely partner Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back. Alistair Johnston should keep his position on the right and Greg Taylor should also be on the left, ahead of Anthony Ralston and Alessandro Bernabé respectively. Rangers Stephen Wales will need to find a new club in the summer window to get his career back on track with regular playing time.
midfielder
Veteran Aaron Mooy is in hot form, as his box-to-box movement, vision, goal-scoring attributes and run through the middle will help the Celtics control space and possession. Reo Hatate will have to showcase his energy, quick technique and link game as a ‘No 8’ and this midfield pair will be orchestrated by captain Callum McGregor from his trademark deep playmaking role. Tomoki Iwata, Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull are available as second-half substitutes.
attack
Daizen Maeda has missed the cup due to health reasons and it remains to be seen whether the Australian boss will bring him back into the starting XI if he is declared fit before the weekend meet. James Forrest scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over his side in October. However, the Scot missed the next few weeks with a muscle strain.
However, the Bhoys are well-equipped up front, with Filipe Jota and Liel Abada likely to appear on the flanks. Sharpshooter Kyogo Furuhashi should find the back of the net against Hearts to lead the charge on back-to-back occasions. Sead Haksabanovic and Oh Hyeon-Gyu will have to be patient and wait for their chances in the attacking third.
