Celtic vs Hibernian

In the League Cup group stage, David Gray's first major setback as permanent manager occurred when the Hibees fell away to League One Kelty Hearts.

They bounced back to win their area and advance to the round of 16, but Gray's team lost their SPFL Premiership opening 3-0 at St. Mirren, sending gloomy clouds over him once more.

When the Hibees were behind Celtic 2-0 at Easter Road last Saturday, it was difficult to remain calm. Brendan Rodgers' team was clearly out of control at that stage, and a crushing defeat seemed certain.

The final weekend of the Premier Sports Cup last 16 weekend ends by Rep Firm handing Hibs a shot at instant retribution against Celtic.

That is easier said than done given that Sunday’s 2-0 league loss was on their own soil and this time they have to travel to the den of Scottish champions who have a goal tally of six and are yet to relinquish a single goal in the two matches played this season.

David Gray’s side scored 14 goals in three group stage matches but the loss to League 1 side Kelty Hearts and two defeats against Scottish Premiership sides without a goal has added immense early season pressure on the man who was appointed permanently as the head coach after serving the position as a caretaker at the end of the previous season.

As for the line-up problems, Hibs won’t be able to play the latest midfield loan signing Kwon Hyeok-kyu against his parent club while they have fewer forwards available now that Dylan Vente has joined Zwolle on a loan spell Meanwhile, Celtic has some forward reinforcement in the form of the return of Adam Idah.

Now he has transferred to Norwich City on a permanent basis, the Republic of Ireland striker will be hoping to maintain the scoring form that saw him score nine goals, among them two against Hibs, in 19 games on loan.

With him in tow, Brendan Rodgers’ hosts will be even stronger favourites to extend their 18-match unbeaten run – and four in succession – against Hibs at home and join the quarter-final draw at full-time.

However, they were able to keep the Hoops out of the game for the remainder of it, ruining two wagers for our guy Greg who had backed the winners for more than 2.5 goals.

Even still, Celtic was a deserving victory, and they've had a fantastic start to the season after defeating Chelsea and Manchester City during their summer tour of America.

Rodgers will be keen to prevent a recurrence of last season's League Cup collapse, which saw the Parkhead giants fall out at this level against Kilmarnock.