Derek McInnes reckons Hibs could be set for a major cup final boost when the Celtic team sheet is revealed at Hampden.
Ange Postecoglou' s has his first shot at silverware without a recognised striker ahead of a late fitness test on star man Kyogo Furuhashi.
James Forrest is also touch and go for the Hampden showpiece with attacking options including Jota, Albian Ajeti and Giorgios Giakoumakis already ruled out.
Former Aberdeen boss believes a under-strength Celtic side could give caretaker boss David Gray and his players a big lift before walking down the tunnel.
Writing for his Mail on Sunday column, McInnes said: "When the team lines are announced this afternoon for the League Cup final, it will be a crucial indicator as to who will lift the trophy.
"If Celtic's front players win their injury battles and are added to the team, it will give them a huge boost. The fitness of Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest will be pivotal to this game.
"If they don't have their attacking players available, Hibs will have an absolutely brilliant opportunity to win the trophy as they can cause Celtic problems.
"Both teams have not had their troubles to seek in recent weeks.
"Celtic's obvious concern will be the progress of the injuries to their semi-final win over Rangers at Hampden their players at the front end of the pitch.
"If Forrest and Furuhashi miss out, it will be a shame for the spectacle because you want the best players on the pitch in the cup final.
"In terms of Celtic's threat, if those players can't make it on top of the other injuries that have hit the squad, including Mikey Johnston, it's a hell of a burden to bear going into a cup final.
"To beat a team of Hibs' quality in a cup final at Hampden, having those key men available will be important. If they are not available, then I do think that gives Hibs an even better chance of lifting the trophy."
McInnes also rubbished speculation that the pressure was on Postecoglou to win his first trophy - insisting
He added: "Ange Postecoglou will not be feeling any more pressure than there was on day one.
"When you take the job at Celtic, you accept that responsibility and pressure that comes your way.
"It wasn't a brilliant performance against St Johnstone in the semi-final but they will have benefited from playing at Hampden."
