Preview: Celtic vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a victory over Aberdeen, while the visitors travel to Glasgow having not been in competitive action for over a month following the cancellation of their match against Dundee United last weekend.

Match preview

Celtic have been excellent to watch in 2022-23 and sit top of the Scottish Premiership table with 45 points from 16 matches under Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops are nine points clear of rivals Rangers at the summit of the division, winning 15 of their 16 league encounters and netting 51 goals in the process.

Last time out, a late strike from Callum McGregor was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium in a match where the visitors dominated proceedings.

Moving ahead to Wednesday, Celtic will aim to maintain their faultless home record in the Scottish Premiership, where they have won seven from seven at Celtic Park.

Should Celtic secure three points at home to Livingston, they will at the very least be nine points clear at the top of the table, though their lead may extend into double figures depending on results elsewhere.

Livingston have once again exceeded expectations this campaign and find themselves in sixth place in the league standings with David Martindale at the helm.

The Lions are in a good position for a push towards continental qualification and have a game in hand over most of their divisional rivals, which could come in handy later in the season.

Undoubtedly, their defensive record has played a massive part in their ability to regularly pick up points, evidenced in the fact Livingston have conceded just 20 goals in the Scottish Premiership, giving them the best defensive record in the league outside of Celtic and Rangers.

Frustratingly, Livingston were denied the chance to return to competitive action last weekend due to the fact their match against Dundee United at the Tony Macaroni Arena fell foul to the Scottish elements.

Nevertheless, they will look to call on their combative spirit on Wednesday night at Celtic Park to try and claim a positive result.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

L

W

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

W

W

D

Livingston form (all competitions):

D

L

W

W

D

L

Team News

Celtic hope to welcome back Sead Haksabanovic for the visit of Livingston, following his omission from the matchday squad against Aberdeen owing to a minor knock.

James McCarthy will again miss out for Celtic due to sustaining a significant hamstring injury before the World Cup break.

Josip Juranovic is likely to be given some time off from club duties, given his contribution in Qatar with Croatia, signifying that Anthony Ralston will start in his place.

Livingston defender Tom Parkes is sidelined for their trip to Glasgow as he is still suffering from a serious knee injury.

Jamie Brandon could return from a groin injury in time for the Celtic clash, while new signing Steven Bradley is ineligible to participate in matches until the squad registration window opens in January.

Jason Holt and Shamal George are at risk of suspension if they pick up a booking during proceedings at Celtic Park.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; McGregor, O'Riley, Hatate; Abada, Jota, Giakoumakis

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Montano; Kelly, Holt; Kelly, Omeonga, Shinnie; Nouble

We say: Celtic 2-0 Livingston

In a match with permutations towards the top end of the table, we expect both sides to give everything as they search for an important result.

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