Game of the weekend - Celtic v Hibernian
Following two intense Scottish Premiership matches last Sunday, this upcoming Sunday features crucial fixtures with significant implications.
Celtic are recovering from a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to Stuttgart in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday. Despite this setback, their domestic form under interim manager Martin O'Neill this season remains impressive. The 73-year-old Northern Irishman has managed 10 league games across two spells, securing nine victories and only dropping points in a draw away to league leaders Heart of Midlothian.
Last Sunday’s 3-2 win at Kilmarnock was particularly dramatic, as Celtic came from two goals behind to clinch victory with a goal in added time.
The previous encounter between Celtic and Hibernian was also closely contested, though the outcome was decided before the final moments. O'Neill was in charge for that match, where Hibs established a two-goal lead by halftime before Celtic pulled one back in the second half.
David Gray’s Hibernian side aims to become the first Scottish team to defeat an O'Neill-managed Celtic this season. Additionally, they seek to improve their challenging record at Celtic Park, where they have not won in over 16 years and have avoided defeat only four times since their last victory in January 2010.
Although Hibs recovered from a disappointing Edinburgh derby loss by defeating St Mirren in their most recent match, they have now suffered three consecutive away defeats. With fourth-placed Motherwell holding a one-place and five-point advantage, plus a game in hand, Hibs must approach their visit to a wounded Celtic with determination if they wish to enhance their prospects of closing the gap on the Steelmen.
Player to watch - Youssef Chermiti (Rangers)
During a Friday press conference, Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was asked about Youssef Chermiti, who scored a hat-trick last Sunday.
The question focused on whether the Portuguese striker needs to transition from scoring in big games to becoming a consistent scorer.
Chermiti has netted seven goals this season, with five of those coming in away victories over Celtic and Hearts. Three goals have been scored against the league leaders, and his only other goal was in Rohl’s first league win as Rangers head coach, a match against Kilmarnock in October.
"As a striker, you always want to score," said Rohl. "He always tries to score. He comes in fantastic situations. Now, it's about being clinical."
Sunday offers another opportunity for Chermiti to establish himself as a regular scorer, as Rangers face Livingston away, a team that has posed difficulties for them this season.
Rangers have twice won 2-1 against the bottom-placed Livingston this season, with none of those goals scored by strikers.
Manager in spotlight - Marvin Bartley (Livingston)
Marvin Bartley’s record as Livingston manager currently stands at two defeats and one draw since he was promoted from first-team coach to replace David Martindale, who has become the club’s sporting director.
Both losses were narrow, including a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park decided by a late goal. Encouraging signs emerged last weekend when Livingston, trailing 2-0 after five minutes away to Dundee, equalized by the 19th minute and held on for a draw.
With Sunday’s opponents Rangers, along with Celtic and Hearts, engaged in a tight Premiership title race, Livingston’s next match is expected to be closely contested.
Bartley and his team need to start securing wins, as Kilmarnock begins the weekend eight points ahead of Livingston, with limited games remaining.
A vital three points are available in West Lothian if Bartley can guide his side to their first victory, ending a 27-game winless streak overall.
Celtic's O'Neill seeks 'utopia' after Euro setback
Rangers' Rohl has 'total belief' in tight race
Hearts must relish pressure of title chance - McInnes
