Celtic travel to Livingston on Saturday afternoon as the Scottish Champions return to domestic action after their opening UEFA Champions League game during the week. Brendan Rodgers’ side were beaten 2-0 in Rotterdam by Feyenoord but will look to remedy that by picking up three points at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Team News
Celtic go into the game without Liel Abada (injured), Cameron Carter-Vickers (injury) Maik Nawrocki (injured and not registered) and Stephen Welsh (injured). There is also a lingering doubt regarding Nat Phillips, who started against Dundee on Saturday. The Liverpool loanee rolled his ankle last weekend and missed the game in Rotterdam. Marco Tilio and Mikey Johnston could be involved with both coming back from injury.
Joe Hart will start in goals. The Englishman saved a penalty in Rotterdam but will still be kicking himself over the opening goal from the free-kick.
In defence, expect Gustaf Lagerbielke to start alongside Liam Scales at the back. Nat Phillips will likely be on the bench after sustaining that ankle injury last weekend. Rodgers will likely go with Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston in the full-back berths.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will anchor the side. The skipper will likely be joined by the same two who he joined him against Feyenoord, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder will be hoping that he can get himself back to his usual levels of creativity, something that we will need against the Livi low block. Holm is potentially an outsider to start given his experience on artificial surfaces in Norway.
In attack, expect Luis Palma to drop out with Yang replacing him from the start. The Honduran didn’t have the best debut during the week and the manager will be looking to see if the South Korean winger can take advantage of the chance against Livi. Daizen Maeda will likely start on the left with Kyogo through the middle. Although, you wouldn’t rule out seeing Tilio or Johnston on the bench.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Lagerbielke, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate; Yang, Kyogo, Maeda.
Last Time
Last time at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston 0:3 Celtic.
Kyogo, Taylor and Jota. pic.twitter.com/fd5a1BxBIV
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe_7) September 22, 2023
Match Officials
John Beaton is the referee for the clash with Frank Connor and Craig Ferguson running the line as Assistant Referees. Craig Napier will be working as Fourth Official at the Tony Macaroni Arena. At Clydesdale House in Glasgow, Steven McLean is on VAR duties. McLean is joined by AVAR Andrew McWilliam.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12:30pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be on Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 12 Noon. The game will also be available on Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland.
🟢 #CelticFC Matchday! ⚪
🆚 Livingston
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 12:30
🏟️ Tony Macaroni Arena
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ScotlandSky#LIVCEL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/PcZfQf84o6— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 23, 2023
