Celtic take on St Mirren at Celtic Park this afternoon in the Scottish Premiership looking to take the three points and open up a four point gap at the top of the table ahead of theRangers playing at Dingwall tomorrow.
Brendan Rodgers gave The Celtic Star a message yesterday for the Celtic support as we enter the final six league matches of the campaign and with the Scottish Cup defence very much in the mix as far as our priorities are concerned.
The Celtic manager said: “Just Keep The Faith and keep giving us that incredible support, because it really makes the difference. I’m sure there’ll be some edgy moments in the six games and in the cup game, but just keep the faith and keep with the team and give us everything, and we’ll give you everything back on the pitch.”
Team News
Daizen Maeda is out with a hamstring concern that is likely to keep him sidelined for several weeks and Liam Scales has also picked up an injury and will miss today’s match in Paradise. Callum McGregor trained well yesterday but is still going to have a managed return so expect the skipper to be on the bench today, with Tomoki Iwata keeping that number 6 role in the team. Luis Palma is available for selection and could be involved, but like Calmac he’s likely to be on the bench.
Manager’s View
Predicted Team
Joe Hart plays as usual. In the absence of Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki with parter Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre of the Celtic defence with Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor playing as full-backs. The midfield with be the same three that started at Ibrox with Tomoki Iwata playing behind Ro Hatate and Matt O’Riley. A front three Kuhn, Kyogo and Yang will start but expect changes with Adam Idah and Luis Palma to get half an hour alongside the captain Callum McGregor.
A strong Celtic bench just like last weekend with the likes of Scott Bain, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Paulo Bernardo, James Forrest, Luis Palma, Callum McGregor and Adam Idah. Not bad eh?
Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Taylor; Tomoki, Hatate, O’Riley; Kuhn, Kyogo and Yang
Match Officials
Steven McLean has the whistle and he will be assisted by Calum Spence and John McCrossan with Peter Stuart of Fourth official duties on the touchline. VAR will be operated by David Dickson and Gary Hilland. With blue-noses Davidson and McLean we can expect to have to overcome some dastardly decisions if we are to prevail.
Kick-off Time
It’s a good old fashioned 3pm on a Saturday afternoon match at Celtic Park, the way it should be.
Where to Watch
Celtic v St Mirren will be broadcast live on Celtic TV for subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland. Sportscene highlights on the BBC will be the best bet for an early look at the action from today’s game.
Score Prediction
Celtic have struggled to keep clean sheets so expect a rare St Mirren goal at Celtic Park, however three from Celtic with Kyogo, Hatate and Adam Idah.
COYBIG
