Ralston To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian

After steadying the ship over the past month, the iconic Martin O’Neill will bid adieu to the Celtic fans following their Sunday lunchtime clash against Hibernian at Easter Road. He replaced Brendan Rodgers as an interim boss, buying time for the management in their hunt for his long-term successor. Wilfried Nancy is soon to be unveiled as the new Parkhead chief, but the Bhoys must ensure a victory as a tribute to one of their own, potentially for the one final time.

Celtic showed their grit and determination in Rotterdam en route to scripting a comeback victory against Feyenoord on Thursday night. They are back in the race for the knockout phase finish in the Europa League. Additionally, Hearts’ downfall has brought them within four points of the top spot in the Premiership table, with a game in hand. Hibs are also going strong in the league, and despite a midweek defeat against Motherwell, they held the Hoops to a stalemate when these two sides locked horns at Parkhead a couple of months back.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian

Defence

Regardless of the managerial alteration, Kasper Schmeichel has retained his ‘number 1’ status. The veteran Dane would continue to feature between the sticks ahead of Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – NOVEMBER 27: Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Callum McGregor during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Although Alistair Johnston is sidelined, Anthony Ralston could not secure a place down the right and was often rotated with Colby Donovan. The teenager got the nod against the Dutch giants, but is expected to make way for Ralston after sustaining an injury in the closing minutes. Injury to Cameron Carter-Vickers leaves O’Neill with little choice but to stick with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. Marcelo Saracchi’s return would boost their options on the left, as the Uruguayan offers the much-needed depth and cover for Kieran Tierney in the starting lineup.

Midfield

Skipper Callum McGregor should drive the show from the deep, but the presence of Arne Engels as the ‘double pivot’ must encourage him to make box-to-box runs and operate in the advanced areas.

Luke McCowan was handed a rare start in Europe, but the impact of Benjamin Nygren off the bench should be rewarded with a start from the right-hand flank. Hyun-Jun Yang made his opportunity count by finding the net, and therefore, deserves a spot on the left after a difficult few months since his failed transfer late in the summer window. Reo Hatate could slot in as an advanced playmaker, as his swift link-ups and through balls might make a difference in and around the attacking third.

Attack

Daizen Maeda registered two assists at De Kuip while spearheading the attack. Johnny Kenny scored a few goals in recent outings. Also, Kelechi Iheanacho is back among the substitutes. Yet the versatile Japanese ace should be deployed as a centre-forward ahead of the other available options. Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha must exhibit more flair and finesse if introduced as second-half substitutes.