Celtic are preparing for Saturday's trip to Hibs with the threat of an unwanted club record hanging over them, while Jota could finally be handed his first start under Martin O'Neill.
The Glasgow giants have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions, and a defeat at Easter Road would mark a sixth loss in eight matches - matching the dismal run that saw Wilfried Nancy sacked just eight games into his tenure.
Jota's fitness battle
The Portuguese winger suffered a career-threatening ACL injury at Tannadice in April last year, ruling him out for the entire 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old spent the past year rehabbing in Lisbon before returning to Lennoxtown in July, beating the planned club timeline to make his first appearances under O'Neill this month.
Jota was handed the full second half against Hearts last week and impressed, causing problems for the Jambos' defence. However, O'Neill, Shaun Maloney and the coaching staff have repeatedly promised to wrap the wide man in cotton wool and not rush him back.
Selection dilemmas
Callum Osmand has been given a run on the wing but lasted only 58 minutes of the Europa League clash with Celta Vigo before going down with cramp. The 20-year-old has played 148 minutes across three appearances in seven days, and could be rested against Hibs despite scoring two goals against Hearts last weekend.
Yang is already missing through injury, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston have returned to training but look unlikely to feature this weekend. Auston Trusty has been given time away following the passing of his father.
Expected lineup
The same back four that started the midweek loss to Celta Vigo is expected, with Colby Donovan, Dane Murray, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney starting. Viljami Sinisalo is expected to return in goal, replacing Sam Johnstone.
Kasper Hogh, the £11million record signing, did little to boost his case with his midweek appearance off the bench, with Camilo Duran expected to lead the line again. Haissem Hassan is likely to keep his place despite criticism of his defensive duties.
Callum McGregor and Mika Baur are set to anchor midfield, with Oliver Sorensen potentially getting the nod ahead of Benjamin Nygren as the Parma loanee looks to increase his minutes.
Predicted XI: Sinisalo, Donovan, Scales, Murray, Tierney, Baur, McGregor, Sorensen, Duran, Hassan, Jota.
