Hibs v Celtic: Latest Odds & Betting Tips

Hibs v Celtic – Live on Setanta Sports. Kick off 2pm

On current form this one looks a no-brainer. Celtic have won their last 12 league games making them the most in-form team in the whole of Europe whilst Hibs have struggled to string 2 wins together all season – their 4-1 win over Motherwel at Fir Park two weeks ago being their only win in 8. But this game should be closer than it looks.

The Hibees aren’t as bad a team as their form suggests and usually push Celtic all the way at Easter Road. They’ve as good as a record as anyone in Scotland against the Hoops at home, having won 2 of the last 3, and today will be a real test for the Champions

Hibs have no injury worries ahead of the game and their strike partnership of Fletcher and Nish will cause problems for Celtic’s back line. The Bhoys defence are prone to losing goals on the road and the odds on either Hibs’ front men netting look tempting. Nish is 7/2 (Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, SkyBet, William Hill) to score during the game but I think Fletcher is more likely at 10/3 (William Hill).

Gordon Strachan may welcome back Aiden McGeady from injury and his return could provide the spark that Celtic have missed in recent weeks. They ground out a 1-0 win over Inverness last week the Irishman’s direct running can add new impetus to an attack that is struggling for form at the moment. Samaras and McDonald have yet to truly hit it off since the Greeks return from injury and the Hoops faithful will be hoping for better things today. Neither of them particularly looke like scoring last week so I’d look elsewhere for Celtic goals today at better value.

Scott Brown returns to his old stomping ground again and he’s been getting forward a bit more this term. He’s as big as 5/1 (Paddy Power, SkyBet) to score against his former team. Steven McManus has also popped up with an important goal or two in Edinburgh and the Celtic captain is worth a look at 9/1 (Paddy Power) to bag one today.

As for the result I think Celtic are just too short at 4/7 to be backing and if they’re going to win this one it’ll be by a single goal. So the best bet might be to back Hibs on the Asian Handicap with a goal of a start at 17/20 (Bet365) but it’ll be no bet for me on the outcome of this one. But one market that does appeal to me is for Hibs to win either half. They’re 7/2 (SkyBet) to outscore Celtic in either 45.

My main bet for this one will be or it to finish overs. Celtic’s inabiltiy to keep a clean sheet away from home will no doubt be exploited today again whilst the Champions won’t be shy in coming forward themselves. 6 of Celtic’s last 7 away from home have finished over 2.5 and at 8/11 (Blue Sq) it looks like the way to go this afternoon.

Good luck if you’re having a punt.

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