Another huge game in Scotland and yet more uncertainty in the dug outs. Last month it was the League Cup semi between Hibs and Rangers that came after Steven Gerrard’s departure and Gio van Bronckhorst arrical but this weekend it’s the Hibs hotseat that is the big talking point. Well, that and the fact it’s the first silverware of the season on the line and both Ange Postecoglou and whoever takes Hibs (it always certainly be Scottish Cup hero David Gray) will lift their first trophy in Scottish football should they come out victorious on Sunday afternoon.
Hibs come into this Scottish League Cup final managerless after Jack Ross’ recent departure and in a poor run of form despite picking up a first win in win in five on Tuesday night thanks to one of the own goals of the season from Paul McMullan. They’ve lost seven of their last 11 league games though the League Cup has offered solace and after dispatching Rangers in the semis there will be belief in the Hibees camp of lifting silverware.
As for Celtic, they’re flying – winning each of their last six ties in all competitions and are currently on a domestic unbeaten run stretching 15 matches. Where they are struggling though is for bodies, particularly up top. Attackers Albian Ajeti, Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis are almost certainly out, while the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest and Mikey Johnston are all doubts. That would leave Postecoglou very short if they’re all out which should further the belief in the Hibs squad. It’ll be interesting to see if Kyogo can pull through to lead the line for the Celts, his presence will be key.
Player Bookings
As for player cards, my focus turns largely to the men from the capital. Only four players in the Premiership this season are committing more fouls per 90 than Joe Newell and the English midfielder is probably my favourite for a yellow at Hampden. He’s picked up six cautions in 22 games across all competitions this campaign and him sitting in the midfield, trying to deal with the likes of David Turnbull and Tom Rogic lends itself well to a fair few fouls in what will be a bouncing Hampden Park.
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Joe Newell to be Carded @ 4.5
Josh Campbell is another likely to be in that Hibs midfield and the 21-year-old has come from relative obscurity to not just become an important part of the Hibees side but also one to keep an eye on for a card. He’s picking up one every three appearances this season after making the breakthrough at Easter Road and I feel his inexperience might lead to a foul or two on the likes of Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton. Bitton is probably the card candidate I’d opt for from the Celtic side should he start. There’s not many that really stick out from Postecoglou’s side and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them really rack up the possession, meaning fouls are likely to be scarce from the men from Parkhead.
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Josh Campbell to be Carded @ 2.88
Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn are two who are likely to involved in the fiery exchanges, Porteous particularly has a penchant for losing the head in big games. I’d certainly be keeping an eye on Porteous if Kyogo is in the starting line-up. I’d also keep an eye out for the two Englishman between the sticks, as I wouldn’t be altogether surprised to see either of Joe Hart or Matt Macey pick up a yellow for time wasting should their respective side be ahead and closing out the tie in search of lifting the cup – certainly one to be aware of if you enjoy an in-play.
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Ryan Porteous to be Carded @ 1.67
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Paul McGinn to be Carded @ 3.6
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Match referee John Beaton has averaged 5.13 yellow cards per league game this season
Corners
Looking elsewhere to add a bit more to your prices, Celtic corners have been a fairly safe bet this season. No side in the Premiership averages more corners per game than Celtic and their tally of 7.6 per 90 is huge. If you’re looking to nudge up your bet builder a few points then adding Celtic corners should be well worth it this weekend, with Hibs likely to put up, at least, a stubborn defence, if not a proper toe-to-toe battle- lending itself very nicely to corners betting and hopefully an entertaining final.
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Celtic corners
18+ please gamble responsibly. All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing. I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
