Celtic have the opportunity to go nine points clear this afternoon. A win over St Johnstone would stretch the lead held over Rangers and put Giovanni Van Bronkhorst’s team under serious pressure ahead of their game in Paisley tomorrow lunchtime.
As a result, the Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will be wanting to name a team that can bury St Johnstone before returning his attention to Sunday’s Scottish Cup Semi Final versus Rangers.
In goals, Joe Hart will start. The Englishman conceded last weekend but he will be determined to record a clean sheet against the visitors from Perth.
In defence, you would expect the first choice back line to start as the manager shows Callum Davidson’s side respect. This would comprise of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt operating in centre back roles with Greg Taylor at left back and Josip Juranovic at right back.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will start. His burst into the Rangers half after seven minutes started the swing towards the victory as he showed himself as a great Celtic captain. McGregor will be joined by two colleagues, this is likely to be Tom Rogic and Matt O’Riley. Reo Hatate looked shattered after the win at Ibrox and he may benefit from a rest, especially ahead of next weekend.
In attack, Giorgos Giakoumakis will lead the line. The talisman was excellent in the second half against Rangers, winding them up and causing trouble for their defenders. However, with Kyogo returning he’ll want to get himself on the score sheet before his colleague gets on the pitch. Daizen Maeda was relentless with his pressing and you’d expect the manager to want to use him. Although, given he played a full season in Japan, it may be prudent to rest him and get Liel Abada into the team. On the other side, Jota could operate.
It’ll be interesting to see what team goes out. Especially as the manager has the game against Rangers next Sunday.
