Well this will be the start of a testy period for Hibs that will prob define how decent our league challenge will be. Celtic will definitely have eyes on the top of the league position now that they are within "striking distance". However, will the Hoops "do the biz"? Both sides suddenly scoring lotsa goals and, from a Hibs viewpoint, it's good to have Lenny leading Hibs into this confrontation esp with us similarly close to the top position. He'll know what to expect and how to handle it in such a red hot atmosphere and this match up will be an intriguing one. Also the Hibs squad will be bolstered by the return of injured players such as McLaren and Darren Mac. C'mon Hibs! What an opp to grasp and keep "pushing on" positively.
GGTTH
This could well be an absolute cracker of a game. I'd be happy with a point, but absolutely have a good feeling about our chances!
I think we might go and attack them and field a team like the one below.
Bogdan
Gray - Ambrose -Hanlon - Stevenson
Milligan
Boyle - Mallan - Slivka - Horgan
Kamberi
I'm wondering whether Lenny will give a start to big Marv that will bolster Milligan's defensive mid position rather than "go for it" from the start and poss being overrun. We'll see which way he goes.
Celtic confirming this match is a sell out fixture - should be good with a great atmosphere!
If we perform there is a very good chance of us taking something from the game,a point would be a good result.On the other hand a poor performance will undoubtedly lead to a heavy defeat and the possibility of destroying the teams confidence for the next few games. A lot to play for, I go for 1-0 OR 1-1.
GGTTH
FT and an emphatic 4-2 win for Celtic in an absolutely pulsating match that was a terrific advert for Scottish footie. Celtic deserved winners but Hibs' doggedness to "never give it up" made this match so attractive from the 1st 30 secs onwards when Hyndman was allowed to run through on the Hoops' goal but fouled by Ntcham who was rightly booked. Unfortunately Stevie Mallan didn't have his "shooting boots" on this afternoon - no goals from some good scoring positions. Celtic striker, Edouarde, showing why he is a £9M striker with a "brace" of goals and hitting Hibs' post on three occasions. This match had everything and still "end to end attacking" in the last secs of it! Also a special mention for Florian Kamberi who hit a cracking 2nd goal, a great strike. But it wasn't gonna happen for Hibs today! IMO Celtic too good and oozing real quality with James Forrest their "top man" with a fine performance for Celtic before being replaced in the 2nd half. One last comment I'd like to make re Hibs starting formation - it was definitely wrong and Lenny admitting in his post match interview that he did indeed "get it wrong" before eventually reverting to a back four formatuon. This is not the 1st time he has gaffed in this way and hopefully he'll learn from it.
GGTTH
Disappointed we started the game so poorly, i think injuries forced lennon to change it when he probably wouldn't have. McGregor and slivka toiled and it was only when he changed the shape about midway through the 1st half that we got a foothold back in the game.
When we did have the ball we looked pretty good - 2nd half we played well and could have scored more. That said celtic were really good and looked like they could score every time they came forward, i think they hit the woodwork several times. They are very, very good at getting behind teams and they deserved to win.
We played our part in what was a really good game and now we have to get ourselves ready and hopefully players fit for the derby.