Celtic travel to Easter Road knowing a victory will restore their four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while Hibs are desperate to climb off the bottom of the table under new boss Marink Reedijk.
The champions saw their advantage cut to a single point after Rangers overcame Storm Boleo to beat St Johnstone at Ibrox. Martin O'Neill's side must now win in Leith to re-establish their cushion at the summit.
Fans are looking for a reaction following the Europa League collapse against Celta Vigo, particularly after Celtic hit the goal trail in last Sunday's 7-1 hammering of Hearts. Hibs, however, can lift themselves off the foot of the table with a point after Kilmarnock's 3-0 defeat to Falkirk.
Reedijk's search for first points
Marink Reedijk has started his Easter Road reign with successive defeats and is still searching for his first points as Hibs boss. The armband has been a topic of conversation this week after Reedijk decided wing-back Felix Passlack would be the on-pitch skipper from now on.
Martin Boyle previously took on that responsibility, with club captain Joe Newell mainly used from the bench. With Hibs bottom of the table, it is a bold move from Reedijk as he looks for a winning formula ahead of the visit of Celtic.
Jamie McGrath insists Hibs have enough leaders to help dig them out of the mire. At times like this teams need leaders, and McGrath is confident the squad can respond to the pressure.
Jota fitness and team selection
Jota has been slowly ramping up his fitness at Celtic, and the question is whether the time has come for him to start under Martin O'Neill. The Portuguese star suffered a career-threatening ACL injury at Tannadice in April last year, ruling him out for the whole of last season.
The 27-year-old spent the past year rehabbing in Lisbon before reporting back to Lennoxtown in July. He beat the planned club timeline to make his first appearances under O'Neill this month, and was handed the full second half against Hearts last week, causing havoc against the Jambos' defence.
However, O'Neill, Shaun Maloney and the staff have repeatedly promised to wrap the wide man in cotton wool and not rush him back. Callum Osmand has been given a run on the wing but only lasted 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 after his own injury troubles, and it could be time for a breather against Hibs. But after two goals against Hearts last weekend, it is a big call to pull the forward from the team.
Celtic's defensive concerns
Despite sitting four points clear at the top of the table, Celtic have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions. A defeat in Leith would take the club to a record low point.
Thursday night's clash with Celta Vigo highlighted the issue. Haissem Hassan produced a thrilling 70-yard run to win a corner, but in the first 20 minutes the Spaniards hogged the ball, with much of the space down Celtic's right side. Hassan was sauntering around on the flank, oblivious to runners targeting that area.
Teenager Colby Donovan was roaring at his team-mate, begging for help, but it never came. While Hassan was a threat at times, it was his side that led to Celtic's downfall in yet another European defeat. Celtic have players who can be dangerous going forward, but they are utterly hopeless when it comes to defending.
Victory in Leith leaves the title race as it was with a four-point buffer. For the hosts, their ambitions begin with clawing themselves off the foot of the Premiership table. With a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hearts to come next Sunday, this is the start of a huge week for Marink Reedijk, with a trip to St Mirren in midweek sandwiched in between.
