6 Hibs vs Celtic tales of the expected as the champions’ title charge threatens to go off the rails

It's been a while, but Celtic face the possibility of having to play title catch up and it's not a scenario they're used to.

A 1-1 draw against Aberdeen at the weekend allowed Rangers to cut the gap at the top to three points by beating Livingston. A three-goal victory for Philippe Clement's men against Aberdeen at Ibrox on Tuesday night will put them top of the pile for the first time this season, and then we'll see what Celtic are really made of.

Previous title races have fizzled out before they really got going, but this one feels different. Rangers have managed to hunt their rivals down even after losing to them twice. With a game in hand and two Old Firm derbies still to play, there's a distinct lack of breathing space that the Hoops have been used to in years gone by. Perhaps that is part of the problem.

Feeling the Light Blue breath on their neck could be just what Celtic need to kick into gear. It also remains to be seen how Rangers handle leading from the front, should they manage to leapfrog their way into poll position.

Either way, victory against Hibs is vital for Brendan Rodgers. He'll either need it to hit the front again, or take advantage of any Gers slip up against the Dons.

Record Sport takes a look at 6 key factors surrounding the champions' must win trip to the capital.

If ever there was a time to get a first away win at Hibs, this is it. It's been a quirk of Rodgers' two spells in the Parkhead hotseat that Leith has not been a happy hunting ground for him and his team. A 0-0 draw this season carried on a winless run that's seen only draws and defeats, with the League Cup the only source of joy from these particular journeys along the M8.

It's an anomaly Celtic have been able to swallow before.