Scottish Premier League previews: Celtic v Hibernian

Pat Fenlon

Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon will be looking for a reaction from his players after their shock League Cup defeat to Second Division side Queen of the South on Tuesday night.

The 43-year-old declared himself “disgusted” with his players, who were told in no uncertain terms that they will endure an arduous afternoon at Celtic Park this Saturday unless they produce a dramatically improved performance.

It was a surprising result considering Hibs have performed above expectations in recent weeks. In their last three SPL matches they have picked up seven points – a better return than what most were predicting.

That tally leaves them joint top of the table, alongside their next opponents Celtic, who enjoyed a much better result in mid-week.

The Bhoys booked their place in the Champions League group stages thanks to a 2-0 win over Helsingborgs – 4-0 on aggregate – and will be strongly fancied to carry that momentum over to Saturday’s league encounter against Fenlon’s men.

Motherwell didn’t fare as well in their Champions League qualifier against Levante – losing 3-0 on aggregate – but the North Lanarkshire outfit should fancy their chances of beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle on home turf this weekend.

Stuart McCall’s side are one of four clubs on six points, with Dundee United, Hearts and promoted Ross County all level.

The Staggies welcome Kilmarnock to Victoria Park this Saturday, while Dundee United travel to St Johnstone at the same time.

And on Sunday, Hearts must pick themselves back up off the floor after Thursday night’s draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Luis Suarez’s late strike ended the Jambos’ dream of European football this season, but they can take out their frustrations on bottom-side Dundee, who have picked up one point from a possible 12 so far this season.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen go head-to-head with St Mirren at Pittodrie.

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