SWPL1 leaders Hibernian will have their squad strength tested when they travel to play Celtic in their biggest game of the season so far tomorrow. Glasgow City are at Hamilton, third-place Spartans at Stirling University, while Rangers will be hoping to get off the mark in their home game against fellow Aberdeen.
Hibs, the only side with maximum points from the first games, will again be without captain Joelle Murray. The Scotland defender has a lower leg stress injury which could keep her out for a few more weeks.
Right back Rachel McLauchlan is also likely to miss the Celtic game while a third internationalist, Lizzie Arnot, is definitely out. So too are Lisa Robertson and Claire Williamson.
Head coach Chris Roberts is nevertheless pleased with the way other players have covered so far this season and hopes to maintain the club’s good run against Celtic.
“In my time at the club we’ve been really successful against them,” he said. “But although we’ve had the upper hand, the games have always been close and competitive.
“They’re probably our most physical game every year and I think they now have the strongest squad since I’ve been with Hibs.
“They’ve got players from overseas, so you can see what their ambition is in terms of a challenge this season.”
Celtic have no major injury worries, but Republic of Ireland internationalist Ruesha Littlejohn will miss the game after being shown a straight red for dissent against Stirling University last Sunday.
David Haley’s side are one of three on seven points and must take something from the game if they are to challenge the big two this season.
The Celtic manager says he and his players are not happy with the nature of the side’s performances.
“There’s room for improvement,” he admitted, “but the fact we’re still largely winning games is a positive.”
City could again be without overseas imports Savannah Jordan and Lauren Silver for the game at Hamilton.
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