Celtic are in Premiership action this afternoon as Martin O’Neill takes his side to Easter Road to face Hibernian, with the Hoops boss naming his starting XI for another huge match in the title race.

The timing matters. Celtic play just over 24 hours before Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday night, giving O’Neill’s side the chance to put pressure on both rivals before they kick a ball. A win would move Celtic level with Hearts at the top, at least temporarily.

The table is tight. Hearts sit three points ahead of Celtic, while Rangers are one point behind the Hoops. There is no real margin for error now. Dropped points at Easter Road would hand the initiative straight back to others.

Hibs will not make it easy. Easter Road is a hard place to control a game, and David Gray’s side still have European targets of their own. They will press in spells, break quickly when Celtic lose it, and try to make the game scrappy.

Celtic’s last league match against Falkirk had a bit of everything. The tempo was better, Daizen Maeda looked sharp again, and the crowd helped drive the team through moments where the game could have tightened.

This one needs patience as much as energy. Celtic must move the ball quickly, but not force it. The midfield has to control second balls and stop Hibs turning loose passes into breaks.

The physical side matters too. The run-in is demanding, and O’Neill has decisions to make around returning players, especially Alistair Johnston, who has only recently come back.

Wide areas could shape it. If Celtic stretch Hibs properly, space should open inside for runners.

Set pieces could also be key. At this stage of the season, one delivery can decide a game.

Here is the Celtic starting XI to face Hibernian:

Kick-off is 12pm at Easter Road, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Celtic need the win first. Then they can watch Monday unfold.