Celtic’s flag-day performance in sweeping aside Kilmarnock 4-0 was nothing short of imperious.
Much has been made of the lack of new signings to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad, but they looked to be revitalised by the summer break.
Enjoying 82% possession against a side who, remember, finished fourth last season, they had 32 goal attempts – 13 on target.
It is difficult to see past Celtic being odds-on favourites to retain the league title given Rangers’ summer rebuilding.
Hibernian head coach David Gray will understandably view their arrival on Sunday with some trepidation given the start they have made since he was confirmed in post after his caretaker spell last season.
His side scraped through to the League Cup last 16 as group winners, but not without shock defeat away to League 1 part-timers Kelty Hearts.
Hibs thumped 14 goals – and conceded just one – as they showed they retain the attacking threat of last season.
However, a 3-0 loss away to St Mirren in their Premiership opener suggests the defensive Achilles heel is still present despite summer acquisitions.
Add in the fact that Hibs have beaten Celtic just once in 21 meetings and it could be an uncomfortable afternoon for the hosts.
Strangely, though, Celtic have won on just four of their 15 league visits – losing three – since 2013 and that win rate of 27% is their lowest away from home against any Premiership opponent during those 11 years.
Hibs held Celtic to a goalless draw in their first meeting last season at Easter Road and beat them 4-2 there as recently as May 2023.
However, that was the Glasgow side’s only defeat in their latest 12 visits to Leith and it would be a major surprise if it was to be an unlucky 13th.