Celtic make their way up the A9 to Perth from the team’s hotel this morning for the cinch Premiership match against St Johnstone. The early kick-off certainly does Ange Postecoglou and his players no favours and the manager yesterday noted that every hour is important for recovery after a tough night playing in the Champions League in Germany in midweek.
St Johnstone were also in action in midweek, playing their re-arranged match away to Kilmarnock and like Celtic the result didn’t go their way. Ange Postecoglou has a perfect record against St Johnstone, winning all four matches against them last season, three in the league and the other in the League Cup semi-final where James Forrest scored the winner at Hampden.
Jamesy has plenty of happy memories of playing, scoring and winning at McDiarmid Park, remember that day he scored four goals in Perth? Might be a chance for Ange to throw him in today? Three points are absolutely essential and a return to goal-scoring form with chances being taken rather than missed would be most welcome!
Team News
Callum McGregor is suspended and also injured so he’s likely to be watching on TV. David Turnbull is missing due to tonsillitis, but should be available for Tuesday night return match with RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, Carl Starfelt remains sidelined, while Cameron Carter-Vickers trained with the squad yesterday and should be available, but may not be risked with Tuesday in mind. Aaron Mooy has recovered from the niggle that kept him out of the Leipzig trip and could be preferred to Abildgaard, who is not yet up to speed fitness-wise. Liel Abada returns to the squad and is likely to start.
Aaron Mooy could start today. Photo Trevor Martin
Ange has indicated that he will make some changes to freshen up the side and rest some tired legs. It’s a guessing game trying to predict the team today, maybe something like this:
Hart, Ralston, Taylor, Welsh, Jenz, Mooy, Hatate, O’Riley, Abada, Giakoumakis and Hakšabanović.
Subs: Siegrist, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Bernabei, Abildgaard, Maeda, Forrest, Kyogo and McCarthy.
Presumably the armband will be worn by Joe Hart in the absence of Calmac, or maybe Ange will opt for an out-field player and go for Greg Taylor? All the players need to step up and show some leadership.
Liel Abada should be in the Celtic side today (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Kick-off Time and Weather Conditions
St Johnstone v Celtic at McDiarmid Park, in Perth kicks off at 12.30 pm (Celtic Park time). The weather in Perth is dry and mild for the time of year and there just a light wind, nothing to worry about.
Where to Watch
The game is live on Sky Sports and Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland.
