Celtic boss Neil Lennon (Getty Images)
Celtic romped home with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday and the Hoops will be strong favourites to claim all three points when they make the trip to Easter Road to face Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
Neil Lennon’s side have won each of their first six league games this season and are currently three points clear of arch-rivals Rangers atop the standings.
Hibernian are currently bottom of the table after winning only one of their first six league fixtures but Paul Heckingbottom’s side will be somewhat buoyed by their penalty shootout victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup.
Moritz Bauer (ankle), Leigh Griffiths (thigh) and Jozo Simunovic (knee) are doubtful to make a return to the squad, while Scott Bain, Michael Johnston, Leigh Griffiths and Nir Bitton are all ruled out with injuries.
Neil Lennon will be expected to make a few changes to the eleven that triumphed over Partick Thistle in the League Cup.
The Southampton loanee has been a wonderful addition to Celtic’s ranks this summer and he is expected to replace Craig Gordon, who started between the sticks in the League Cup tie.
The Israeli defender played at the heart of the defence in the previous game but he is likely to shift to a right-back role on Saturday to cover for the injury to Moritz Bauer, with Frimpong not expected to be amongst the starters in the league fixture.
The Norwegian international didn’t have a lot to do in the 5-0 League Cup victory but he has been really impressive at the back this term.
The Frenchman didn’t play a part in the midweek fixture but he is usually one of the first names on Lennon’s teamsheet.
Jonny Hayes featured at left-back on Wednesday against Partick Thistle but the Belgian continues to be the first choice in that position.
The veteran came on as a substitute in the League Cup tie but he is a key cog in the Hoops’ midfield and is expected to be back in the eleven on Saturday for the trip to Easter Road.
His excellent all-round game is an indispensable asset to Celtic in the middle of the park and there are hardly any doubts over his selection.
He came close to finding the net on numerous occasions in the 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock last week and the former academy graduate should be fresh to start on Saturday after being rested for the League Cup game.
He is yet to hit top gear at Parkhead following his loan move from Southampton but Lennon should continue to hand him regular minutes to allow him to settle down.
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The influential playmaker wasn’t in the squad for the midweek game but he is sure to start against Hibernian this weekend.
The Frenchman has been in terrific form in front of goal and Celtic will bank on him to deliver the goods once again this week.