Ex-Rangers striker Rory Loy reckons Hibs might be catching Celtic at the right time this weekend, but plenty of supporters aren’t buying it.
Celtic’s record at home says it all. Even on off-days, they boss possession, carve out chances and usually find the net. Painting this as the perfect time for Hibs to head to Parkhead overlooks the quality Rodgers has at his disposal and the clear gap between the two squads.
Hibs haven’t exactly been firing either. Their shaky start to the season makes it hard to see them springing a surprise, and the idea Celtic will suffer some kind of “European hangover” is a tired narrative. Recent games show the Hoops handle the demands of Europe and domestic football just fine.
Loy’s comments might give rival fans a bit of false hope, but they don’t stack up against reality. Celtic have been ruthless in these fixtures for years, and the suggestion this is the time to catch them looks wide of the mark.
He said: (Scottish Football Podcast), “Regardless of whether there’s a European hangover or not, even when Celtic are slightly under par they’re still capable of creating chances and scoring goals.
“So I think it’s a good time for Hibs to go there but again they’ll need to set up better, be defensively sound and hit Celtic on the counter-attack.“
The issue with Loy’s take is that it downplays just how reliable Celtic are. Even when they’re not at their sharpest, this team has the quality to break down sides who sit back or try to counter. Banking on Celtic having an off-day isn’t a plan for Hibs, it’s just wishful thinking.
We’ve heard this kind of chat before, usually in the build-up to league games Celtic are expected to win. But time after time, the Hoops show they can juggle European fixtures and still take care of business at home without slipping up.
It also overlooks Hibs’ own problems. Their defence has been leaky all season, and they’ll need to be near-perfect just to keep Celtic out. Calling this a good time to play the champions brushes over how big the task really is.
Loy might just be trying to give Hibs a boost, but in reality it’s Celtic who will head into the match with belief. Recent history shows they’re anything but fragile, and Rodgers’ side usually handle these situations with authority.
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