Celtic vs Hibernian. Scottish Premiership.
Celtic ParkAttendance58,998.
Saturday 27 January 2018 14:50, UK
Scott Sinclair is expecting another exciting and attacking clash when Celtic host Hibernian in the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
The Premiership matches at Parkhead and Easter Road between the clubs this season have both ended in 2-2 draws, while the Hoops won 4-2 in the Betfred Cup semi-final at Hampden Park in October.
Celtic winger Sinclair believes the Leith side's propensity to attack will make for another cracking encounter.
"They are a good side and every time we have played against them it has been an exciting game," he said. "They come out, attack and they have some good players It makes the game a little bit more exciting.
"Teams come, sit back and go for the draw, but Hibs come straight out the blocks, they obviously want to win, they get on the front foot and it is an exciting game when we play against them. It is up to us to make sure we perform and win."
Sinclair scored his 17th goal of the season with a penalty in the 2-1 away win over Partick Thistle on Tuesday night that saw Celtic move 11 points clear at the top of the table.
Hibs are fourth in the Premiership and beat Dundee 1-0 on Wednesday to record their first victory of the year.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of Hibs manager Neil Lennon and how he "wants the players to express themselves".
He said: "Neil has a very good football side there and he tries to make them play as a big team.
"He is an outstanding manager and he wants them to work in a certain way which is aligned to the big clubs and big teams...Hibs play good football and are competitive so we anticipate a tough game."
Marvin Compper (calf strain), Jonny Hayes (broken leg), Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston (both knee), Stuart Armstrong (hernia operation) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring) remain out for Celtic.
Striker Leigh Griffiths is pressing for a start after coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 2-1 win over Partick Thistle on Tuesday night.
Anthony Stokes will not feature against his former club after being ruled out by Hibernian boss Lennon.
Lennon says the striker will not be considered for selection for the match on Saturday following off-field discipline problems.
Marvin Bartley will also miss the game with a knock, while Dylan McGeouch (dead leg) should be fit and Martin Boyle (Achilles) is being assessed but Ross Laidlaw (shoulder), Steven Whitaker (pelvis) and David Gray (Achilles) remain out.
Celtic have only lost one of their last 16 league games against Hibernian (W10 D5), although they have failed to win either of the previous two, both 2-2 draws.
Hibs haven't won a league game at Celtic Park since January 2010, drawing three and losing five of their following eight visits.
The Bhoys remain unbeaten in 40 league ties at Celtic Park (W32 D8), though they failed to score in their latest game there in the league (vs Rangers) for the first time since March 2016.
Hibs have only lost one of their 12 away league games (W6 D5) this season, keeping a clean sheet in three of their latest four. They had lost five in a row away from home at the end of their last campaign in the top flight prior to this run.
