OPINION
If Celtic replicate the form that saw them thump Kilmarnock 5-1 last Saturday, then this weekend’s opponents will be in for a tough ride.
The Hoops are taking everyone by storm at the minute, and they will undoubtedly be looking to maintain that momentum going into the clash with Hibernian on Sunday, a team that currently sit in eighth place in the Scottish Premier League.
They have just been handed a boost in this current quest, as Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has just confirmed a number of injuries to his senior players.
“At the minute we’ve got a few senior players with injuries – (Paul) Hanlon, (David) Gray and (Marvin) Bartley – so that plays into your thinking,” he said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Celtic would no doubt have been favourites for this clash anyway, but the fact that the likes of Hanlon and Gray – who are both defenders – are out injured means that the Hoops will have a field day considering the quality of their attack.
Odsonne Edouard has been in relatively good form this season – he has netted 13 goals in all competitions – and Hibernian having two players from their defence out on the sidelines will make his job that little bit easier.
“Both teams want to play attacking football and have a go,” Lennon added.
This revelation will leave Brendan Rodgers bouncing – with Hibernian adopting this playing mindset and having two defenders out, there will be pockets of space for the Hoops to latch onto.
What more could Lennon possibly gift the Scottish highflyers?
The Hoops now have the perfect chance to extend the gap between themselves and Rangers, and Rodgers must ensure that his team make the most of it by ripping their opponents to shreds.
If they do not, then they are allowing the Gers to challenge them closely once again – and that must not happen at any cost.