The clash between Celtic FC Women and Hibernian that was set to take place at the Excelsior stadium on Sunday, 11th February will now take place in the capital.
Having already faced Hibs once this season at Meadowbank Stadium, the second meeting will also have the Edinburgh side named as the home team. Celtic requested that the teams be reversed due to Airdrie taking on Hearts at the Excelsior in the men’s Scottish Cup on the same day. To make up for this reversal, Celtic will host Hibernian twice after the split.
Hibs have been in good form in the SWPL1, winning four of their last five games, only failing to beat Glasgow City. They have a 56% win percentage in the league when playing at home and score an average of three goals per match. With 16 shots taken on average per game, they’ll be looking to be more clinical against the Celts this time around after losing 4-2 when we faced off in September.
This season, Celtic have won 78% of their away games, losing to Glasgow City and drawing to Hearts. We have kept a clean sheet in 67% of our games away from home and record a much higher xG (expected goals) for than against. Despite the recent results, we have been on excellent form throughout the season, and we’ll be looking to continue that despite the reversal.
Last time we played, Celtic got the scoring underway early, taking a three nil lead shortly after the half hour mark. Just before half time, Hibs pulled two goals back through Eilidh Adams and Jorian Baucom, but a late goal from Amy Gallacher secured victory for the Hoops. Hopefully, we can assert our dominance at Meadowbank better than we did last time and secure three points beyond any doubt.
The Hibs v Celtic FC Women game will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.
Incidentally the following weekend Celtic FC Women are away to theRangers and they have moved this match to Ibrox where tickets are now available to Celtic Supporters for £7 for adults with concessions at £3. These sides have played three times this season, all over at Airdrie in three different competitions – the Glasgow Cup, the SWPL1 and the Sky Sports League Cup.
On each occasion Celtic have taken the lead then gone onto lose the game. None of these earlier games were moved to Celtic Park, and with the pitch in the state that it is in, that’s hardly surprising.
But the Celtic support now have a chance to head over to Ibrox for a women’s Glasgow Derby. Maybe the Green Brigade will fancy having their Green Wall showcased again over at their place? Tickets for theRangers v Celtic FC Women match at Ibrox on Sunday 18 February (kick-off 3.10pm) are on sale HERE.
Before those two games Celtic FC Women have two away matches, against Hamilton Accies Women this Sunday, 4th February in the Scottish Cup then next midweek (Wednesday 7th February) in the SWPL1.
New Celtic manager Elena Sadiku will be looking to win all four of these matches to keep our dreams alive in both the SWPL1 and Women’s Scottish Cup.
Jessica Elliott
