Celtic travel to Easter Road with the focus on the game itself, not the outside noise, as Chris Sutton dismissed talk that Hibernian might ease off.
The timing adds to it. Celtic play more than 24 hours before Hearts take on Rangers, with the chance to put pressure on both before that match kicks off at Tynecastle.
The table is tight. Celtic are three points behind Hearts and just ahead of Rangers. A win takes them level, at least for now. Anything else gives others the edge again.
Hibs still have something to play for. They are chasing a higher finish and have already shown they can cause Celtic problems. Their pressing and quick breaks have worked before.
Sutton has followed Celtic closely in recent weeks and sees both improvement and areas that still need work.
He said: (Sky Sports Scotland), “Celtic haven’t hit form all season… even against Falkirk it got a little bit nervy.
“It’s a chance to land the first blow… and really crank the pressure up on the game tomorrow.
“I don’t see the Hibs players lying down… they’ve got their own agenda.”
Celtic have picked up results lately, but the level has not always been there. Against Falkirk, they controlled the game for spells but still needed a late third goal to make it safe.
That kind of moment matters at Easter Road. If it stays close, Hibs will believe they can get something. Celtic need to move the ball quicker and avoid sloppy passes in the middle.
The first goal matters. If Celtic score first, they can take control. If not, the game becomes more open and harder to manage.
The situation is clear. Win, and the pressure moves to Hearts and Rangers. Drop points, and the gap becomes harder to close with only a few games left.
