Hibernian v Celtic: League Cup final preview, stats & selectors

Can interim Hibernian manager David Gray emerge the unlikely Hampden hero again – or will Celtic secure the first trophy of the Ange Postecoglou era in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final?

Celtic are bidding to crown their progress under former Australia boss Postecoglou by reclaiming the trophy they won four years in a row until St Johnstone’s triumph last season.

Postecoglou, the summer successor to Neil Lennon, has brought a feelgood factor back to the Glasgow club, who ended last season without a trophy for the first in time in 11 years.

Celtic are the form team heading to Hampden, having won 11 of their last 12 domestic matches and playing high-tempo, attacking football under the Greek-Australian.

Victory for Hibs, whose previous League Cup triumph came in 2007, would cement former captain Gray’s legendary status at the Edinburgh club.

Since the sacking of Ross 10 days before the final, following a run of one Scottish Premiership win in nine games, Gray has steered Hibs to a draw and a win.

The final is expected to be the 33-year-old’s last game in charge as Hibs are in advanced talks with their preferred candidate, former Scotland forward and current Belgium assistant Shaun Maloney.

Team news

Hibs are hopeful that midfielder Chris Cadden and striker Kevin Nisbet will recover from knocks after both went off injured during Tuesday’s win over Dundee. Midfielder Kyle Magennis (groin) remains sidelined.

Celtic will give star striker Kyogo Furuhashi (hamstring) and wingers James Forrest and Mikey Johnston (both knocks) until as late as possible to make the final.

All three missed the midweek win over Ross County, with Celtic’s attacking options already reduced by the injury absences of Jota, Albian Ajeti and Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Choose your starting XI. It’s up to you how to approach it – you could go for the team you WANT the manager to pick or the one you THINK he will.

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