It’s Christmas Eve encounter with the Saints from Perth as Celtic look to restore, for the third time since resuming play after the break for the World Cup, our nine points advantage at the top of the league looking down on theRangers.
Andy Walker played alongside Tommy Burns in Celtic’s centenary season. Last night he was in Dingwall co-commentating for Sky Sports and was mute as the travelling support disgracefully targeted Tommy Burns’ memory repeatedly throughout a game which one rotten team beat another 1-O, with a little VAR assistance thrown in. Andy Walker you, sir said nothing.
Celtic after narrow scoreline wins over Aberdeen (1-0) and Livingston (2-1) will be looking for something a little more impressive against St Johnstone at Celtic Park today to make sure that there is plenty of Christmas cheer being spread across the Celtic family. One man who does needs a bit of cheering up is Ange Postecoglou and it’s in everyone’s interest among the Celtic squad to ensure that the Australian is smiling tomorrow afternoon.
Expect two or three changes from the side that started in midweek as Ange’s message is sent out loud and clear.
Team News
Anthony Ralston is the major doubt after suffering an ankle knock on Wednesday that forced him to go off early. Stephen Welsh is missing after picking up a knock in Portugal and James McCarthy is still in rehab after pulling his hamstring. Josip Juranovic is still on his week’s holiday following his return from Qatar and will be back at Lennoxtown on Monday.
Ange Postecoglou has flagged up a warning to his squad that the recent performances are not good enough, especially in forward areas and has signalled his intention to make changes to reward players who have been performing well in training but have not had the corresponding game-time. They will get their chance against a St Johnstone side which goes into this game just one point behind third placed Aberdeen.
On Wednesday morning we predicted the following Celtic team to face Livingston…
Joe Hart; Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor; Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate; Liel Abada, Kyogo and Jota. On the bench: Ben Siegrist, Moritz Jenz, Alexandro Bernabei, Aaron Mooy, David Turnbull, James Forrest, Sead Hakšabanović, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda.
Not bad eh?
⛰️ 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘅𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 ⛰️
The Bhoys train ahead of our Christmas Eve fixture tomorrow! 💪#CELSTJ | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG 🍀 pic.twitter.com/fRdEQwiOuO
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 23, 2022
Assuming Ralston isn’t fit, expect a few changes among the forward players Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate; Liel Abada, Kyogo and Jota with the likes of Aaron Mooy, Sead Hakšabanović and Daizen Maeda starting. And Ange’s view on what’s actually going on with Giorgos Giakoumakis will determine whether he gets the nod or not.
Getting Wednesday’s side right doesn’t really help in predicting the team to face St Johnstone, so this one is a stab in the dark really.
Predicted Team
Joe Hart; Greg Taylor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Alexandro Bernabei, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Aaron Mooy, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Sead Hakšabanović.
Subs: Ben Siegrist, Moritz Jenz, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, James Forrest, Kyogo, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Jota.
Kick-Off Time
The game will kick-off at 12:30pm (Celtic Park time).
Match Officials
Kevin Clancy will referee the match and he will be assisted Alan Mulvanny and John McCrossan. Lloyd Wilson acts as the Fourth Official. Mike Roncone is on the ludge-VAR duties, assisted by Gary Hilland.
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain & Ireland. The game will also be shown on PPV for £12.99 as the club offer an alternative for fans that are unable to attend. Celtic have made the fixture available to fans in the UK and Ireland with StreamDigital’s PPV service, taking advantage of the recent changes to the SPFL’s broadcasting contract with Sky Sports which allows clubs to offer PPV on selected matches.
Your pay-per-view pass can be purchased for £12.99 which includes all the build-up, live match action and half-time and full-time analysis. You can purchase your match pass HERE.
⚽️ The Bhoys are back at Celtic Park tomorrow with St Johnstone the visitors for a Christmas Eve, 12:30pm KO.
Whether you’re prepping for Christmas dinner or wrapping your presents ahead of the big day, you can still cheer on the Bhoys! 🍀⤵️
Ts & Cs apply#CELSTJ | #cinchPrem
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 23, 2022
