Preview: Celtic vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite their current position the visitors head into the game on the back of two games without a loss, bringing plenty of confidence into the weekend.

Match preview

Celtic responded to losing against Hearts in style last weekend as they blew away Livingston in the Scottish FA Cup, immediately getting back to winning ways at the first time of asking.

A Daizen Maeda hat-trick and a goal from Kyogo Furuhashi led to a 4-2 win on the day as the club secured its place in the semi-finals of the competition, but the focus will now shift back to league football and their attempt to defend the Scottish Premiership.

Despite scoring more than any team in the division the Hoops currently find themselves trailing Rangers in the table, with the focus for Brendan Rodgers simply being on keeping the pressure on them.

With the gap between the Old Firm rivals being just two points there is no room for error as far as Rangers are concerned, but Celtic will need to pick up maximum points to potentially capitalise on that.

The Hoops have only lost once at home this season in the Scottish Premiership which should breathe plenty of confidence into the team, especially since the visitors only boast two wins on the road.

Despite St Johnstone's difficulties away from home, they did take a point during their visit to Celtic Park earlier this season after a goalless draw, showcasing their ability to cause problems for the Hoops.

That combined with the fact they have picked up positive results in consecutive games should bring plenty of belief into the squad as they prepare for this fixture.

The Saints followed a victory against Aberdeen by drawing to Livingston in their most recent outing, with Nicky Clark's 87th-minute goal rescuing a point for them.

It was a positive result for St Johnstone considering it pushed them further away from the relegation zone, as they now have a four-point gap to protect at the moment.

However, after scoring only six goals in away matches throughout the season there will be some pressure on the attackers to step up and take any chances that are provided to them against Celtic.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

D

W

W

L

Celtic form (all competitions):

W

D

W

W

L

W

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

L

W

D

Team News

Hyunjun Yang could end up returning to the starting lineup for the Hoops this weekend after he missed out on the Scottish FA Cup match due to suspension.

Maeda should retain his place in the team after scoring three past Livingston, while Furuhashi will be expected to feature from the first minute this time around.

Rodgers is missing several players for this weekend though with Maik Nawrocki, Reo Hatate, James McCarthy and Callum McGregor all on the sidelines.

Adama Sidibeh returned to the St Johnstone bench for their draw against Livingston, and he could continue to push for a place in the team.

However, Craig Levein has started an unchanged XI during their past two games and considering the positive results his team have been getting it is likely he will keep that going.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, Iwata, Bernardo; Furuhashi, Idah, Maeda

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Keltjens, McGowan, Gordon, Robinson; Sprangler, Phillips, Smith, Clark, Jaiyesimi; Kimpioka

We say: Celtic 2-0 St Johnstone

Celtic's attacking qualities should be enough to guide them to three points this weekend, with their squad boasting more quality overall.

While St Johnstone are in good form at the moment which should lead to them putting up a competitive fight, the Hoops will still be the favourites.

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