Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Scottish Premiership match.
In round six of the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park, two clubs who are yet to lose in the league meet: Celtic and Hibernian. The hosts lead the standings, while the visitors are in the top four. The match promises a stern test for both.
Celtic
Celtic have played ten matches in all competitions and have not lost once, with six wins and four draws. In the league, their only dropped points came in the Old Firm derby against Rangers (0:0). In the Scottish League Cup, the team have already reached the semi-finals, and in Europe they opened with a 1:1 draw against Red Star Belgrade. The backdrop is not perfect, as Celtic endured a poor summer transfer window and were eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Kairat on penalties. Even so, on the domestic front the team continue to dominate. At home they have won all three matches this season by an aggregate score of 8:1.
Hibernian
The league start looks respectable, with one win and four draws leaving them fourth. On closer inspection the sheen fades. In Europe Hibernian were eliminated from both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League, and in the Scottish League Cup they lost to Rangers (0:2). The winless run now stands at six matches, and in the league their only victory came on the opening weekend. Away from home Hibernian play cautiously, but their efficiency is minimal, with three consecutive draws. The head-to-head record at Celtic Park is daunting, as they have not won there since January 2010: 18 defeats and four draws.
Celtic vs Hibernian Prediction
Celtic have built strong momentum, whereas Hibernian look like a squad who can nick points but are unlikely to impose themselves on the favourites. A heavy defeat is not especially likely, because the visitors know how to defend, but an away win looks remote.
