MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Olivier Ntcham of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides fourth gaol during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on November 08, 2020 in Motherwell, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Celtic will be looking to get their campaign back on track after a third consecutive derby defeat against Rangers when they play host to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Monday night.
The Hoops saw their hopes of clawing back in the title race fall apart after a 1-0 defeat to their Old Firm rivals but Neil Lennon’s side still have plenty to play for. Celtic will be the favourites to come away with three points when they lock horns with Hibs but things could be far from straightforward, having settled for a 2-2 draw at Easter Road back in November.
Celtic will be without first-choice centre-back Christopher Jullien, who has been ruled out for the next three to four months with a serious knee injury. Nir Bitton will also be unavailable for selection after picking up a red card in the derby defeat against Rangers last week.
James Forrest is understood to be on the comeback trail from his long-term injury but is unlikely to be available for Monday’s home fixture against Hibernian.
The Greek international put in a decent shift between the sticks against Rangers last week and should retain his place ahead of Hazard and Bain.
The youngster looked lively and energetic in the last game despite his side suffering a third consecutive Old Firm defeat.
The Norwegian made some crucial interventions in the last game and should once again find himself among the starters for this one.
The Brighton loanee came off the bench in the last game but is likely to start against Hibs with Bitton set to serve a red-card suspension.
The Uruguayan international put in an impressive shift at both ends of the pitch in the last game and should start ahead of Taylor on the left once again.
The Ivorian youngster has leapfrogged the experienced Scott Brown in the pecking order with a string of impressive displays in recent weeks.
The Scottish international remains a key cog in Celtic’s engine room with his energy and creativity.
Christie has always been a regular starter and will be tasked with providing that creative spark in the Hoops attack when they welcome Hibs on Monday night.
The Southampton loanee played a cameo off the bench in the last game but could be set for a start if Lennon alters his dynamics for this one.
The youngster has grabbed his opportunities with both hands over the past few weeks and Lennon should continue to back him with regular starts.
The Frenchman failed to find the net in the derby fixture last week but he remains Celtic’s go-to man in front of goal.