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

The home side come into this one following an impressive draw away to Rangers, while Celtic travel to West Lothian fresh from a stalemate with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League during midweek.

Match preview

Livingston have made a commendable start to proceedings in 2022-23 and sit sixth in the league table with 11 matches played on 16 points.

David Martindale has led the Lions to some impressive results, with the likes of Hibernian, Hearts and Dundee United being conquered by Livingston this season as they continue to defy the odds in the Scottish Premiership.

Last Saturday, Livingston put in arguably their best performance of the season with a 1-1 draw away to Rangers and came so close to a first win at Ibrox in their history.

Joel Nouble opened the scoring on four minutes to spark dreams of a famous victory, though they were denied in heartbreaking fashion as John Lundstram volleyed home in stoppage time to salvage a draw for Rangers.

Martindale will be eyeing another strong performance this weekend as Livingston look to take a major scalp against league leaders Celtic.

Celtic make the trip to the Tony Macaroni Arena in great shape and lead the Scottish Premiership table by four points under Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops have been ruthless in front of goal in the league scoring 39 times in 11 matches, giving them the most potent attack in the division by a distance.

Celtic were in Champions League action on Tuesday against Shakhtar Donetsk, though could only manage a 1-1 draw at home as a stunning effort from Mykhaylo Mudryk cancelled out a Giorgos Giakoumakis opener.

Nevertheless, Celtic have won their last four league fixtures netting 14 goals in the process. Moreover, they also booked their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup with a 4-0 triumph over Motherwell last week.

Postecoglou will be desperate to maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a victory over Livingston on Sunday.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

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D

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

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Celtic form (all competitions):

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Team News

Livingston will be without Jamie Brandon and Tom Parkes for the visit of Celtic this weekend as both players continue their recovery from injury.

Morgan Boyes will serve a suspension against Celtic following a straight red card against Rangers last weekend.

Cristian Montano may still be out for the home side as he has missed several matches with a knock.

For the visitors, Jota has returned to full training and could be involved at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Carl Starfelt has also been back on the training field though it is unclear whether he will be in the matchday squad.

Callum McGregor will not feature as he is still set to be absent for several weeks with a knee injury.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Kelly; Holt, Pittman; Bahamboula, Kelly, Shinnie; Nouble

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Bernabei; O'Riley, Mooy, Hatate; Forrest, Giakoumakis, Maeda

We say: Livingston 1-3 Celtic

In a game that will provoke plenty of drama, we expect a keenly contested affair that will be an entertaining watch for the neutral.

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