Celtic predicted XI vs Hibernian – Kelechi Iheanacho decision made in two changes
Celtic are set to take on Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday in what is a must-win match for Martin O’Neill’s side.
The Hoops would go level on points with Hearts if they were to pick up a victory against the Edinburgh club.
This is thanks to Hearts not playing until Monday, when they take on Rangers at Tynecastle.
However, Celtic’s game will be far from easy, with Hibs beating the club in their last meeting.
As a result, O’Neill may need to freshen things up and bring Kelechi Iheanacho back into the starting XI if Celtic are to pick up a win.
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBKelechi Iheanacho must return for Hibs vs Celtic
Iheanacho has had a tough time at Celtic since signing for the club this season and has only just recovered from an injury.
However, when he has been able to get onto the pitch, he has performed, and recently netted twice against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
| Kelechi Iheanacho’s Celtic stats | |
| Appearances | 19 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 1 |
With goal difference having the potential to be important come the season’s end, O’Neill should look for a way to get him into the lineup on Sunday.
As a result, the backline remains the same with Viljami Sinisalo in goal, Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney the full-backs and Auston Trusty and Liam Scales at centre-back.
Into midfield, Arne Engels will continue to partner Callum McGregor, with Benjamin Nygren remaining as the attacking midfielder.
Both Hyun-Jun Yang and James Forrest drop out of the team, with Daizen Maeda going onto the right wing, Sebastian Tounekti on the left wing and Iheanacho coming in as the striker.
Will Iheanacho leave Celtic at the end of the season?
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic are giving Iheanacho a chance to earn a new contract in the summer.
The striker’s current deal expires at the end of the season, which could see him leave Parkhead.
However, after returning from the sidelines, O’Neill has been happy to give the attacker minutes and has been rewarded with some vital goals.
Now, Iheanacho will be looking to net once again on the weekend as he looks to win the Scottish Premiership title with the Hoops at the season’s end.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (61 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)