Match context and what the form tells us
Celtic welcome Hibernian to Celtic Park on 22/02/2026 in what shapes up as a clash with clear favourites and an underdog intent on disruption. The hosts sit third in the Premiership with 54 points from 26 matches and come into this fixture with an excellent domestic run — seven wins, two draws and a single loss in their last ten competitive outings. That recent sequence is peppered with comfortable league wins and a Cup extra-time victory, though it’s worth noting Celtic were hammered 4-1 by VfB Stuttgart in midweek Europa League action, a result that leaves a bitter aftertaste and raises questions about fatigue and focus heading into Saturday.
Hibernian occupy fifth and have been less consistent but dangerous in spells. Their last Premiership outing ended in a 2-0 home victory over St. Mirren and their ten-match form reads five wins, two draws and three defeats. Hibernian have shown they can nick results — they beat Dundee United 3-2 and held Rangers 0-0 — but they also suffered a heavy 4-1 reverse away to Falkirk earlier in the campaign. This away trip to Glasgow will demand discipline and resilience.
Key statistics and market signals
Celtic’s home numbers are impressive: 29 goals scored at home with only nine conceded, 12 clean sheets and an aggressive attacking profile with an average of more than 17 shots per game. Hibernian are credible on the road but convert fewer chances overall and have eight clean sheets on the season. The bookmaker market reflects that gulf — the home win is priced at 1.42 (about a 70% implied probability), with the draw at 4.50 and an away win at 7.00. Head-to-head this season saw Hibernian take a 2-1 victory back in November, showing this fixture can produce surprise results.
Celtic’s recent heavy European loss introduces an element of doubt, but their domestic form and superior home defensive record make them the natural pick. Hibernian’s 2-0 win last time out and Jamie McGrath’s strong rating in that game suggest they won’t capitulate, so a competitive contest is likely.
How to approach the bet and useful reading
For readers weighing markets, consider combining the strong 1X2 signal with a reading on timing and market selection. If you want background on selecting the right market, see this primer on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets. And if you are debating goal lines and when to strike on them, this piece on The right time to place bets on goal markets is a smart companion read.
Betting suggestion Back Celtic to win (1 — Home) in the 1X2 market. The price of 1.42 reflects their dominance at Celtic Park, a superior goals-for and goals-against balance at home, and an overall sequence of domestic wins. Factor in possible squad fatigue after the Europa League defeat and size stakes accordingly, but on form and home form alone Celtic are the clearest value on the board.
