Martin O’Neill makes huge Kieran Tierney call amid two changes – Celtic predicted XI vs Hibernian
Celtic face another huge Premiership game on Sunday when they travel to face Hibernian.
The Bhoys are desperately trying to reel in Hearts at the top of the Premiership table, with the gap currently standing at four points between the two teams, although Celtic do have a game in hand.
Wilfried Nancy’s appointment as Celtic manager is imminent, meaning that this could be the final act for Martin O’Neill during his period in interim charge of the team.
The 73-year-old guided his men to an impressive 3-1 away win over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night, and he will be hoping to bow out with a similar outcome this weekend.
However, as promising as the performance was during the midweek victory, O’Neill still has some selection headaches ahead of the Easter Road clash.
Anthony Ralston and Sebastian Tounekti return for Celtic vs Hibernian
Kiernan Tierney was blasted by Celtic fans for his display against Feyenoord in midweek, and that could potentially see his spot in the starting XI come under scrutiny this weekend.
However, O’Neill has largely relied on the experienced members of his squad during his tenure so far, and it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t continue to show faith in the left-back this weekend.
Tierney has endured a mixed spell since his return from Arsenal was confirmed in the summer, but there is no denying the quality that he can provide on his day.
On the other side of the defence, the experienced Anthony Ralston is also likely to come back in from the off in place of youngster Colby Donovan after his baptism of fire at Feyenoord.
That switch looks set to be one of two changes from O’Neill for this weekend’s clash, with Sebastian Tounekti coming back in for Luke McCowan on the right wing.
Benjamin Nygren will count himself unlucky after he netted the third goal on Thursday night, but the boss has tended to favour Tounekti in league action, and that could well continue against Hibernian.
The Bhoys’ excellent record vs Hibernian revealed
O’Neill is likely to oversee his final game for Celtic this weekend, and he certainly has plenty of positive omens on his side as he aims to bow out with three points.
| Date | Competition | H/A | Result |
| 27 September 2025 | Premiership | H | 0-0 |
| 10 May 2025 | Premiership Championship Group | H | 3-1 W |
| 9 March 2025 | FA Cup | H | 2-0 W |
| 22 February 2025 | Premiership | A | 2-1 L |
| 7 December 2024 | Premiership | H | 3-0 W |
The Parkhead outfit boast an excellent recent record against Hibs, and they will be desperate to see that continue this weekend as they aim to close the gap to Hearts.
Celtic have lost just one of their last 10 games against Hibs, with their only defeat coming in the form of a 2-1 reverse at Easter Road back in February.
Their hosts on Sunday have had a positive start to the campaign, but are coming into this particular clash on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Motherwell in midweek.
O’Neill will be desperate to pile further misery on the Edinburgh outfit in the Sunday lunchtime clash.