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

The hosts currently sit midtable but are still searching for their first home victory of the season, which could help them break into the top four.

Match preview

Livingston have had a mixed start to the new campaign which is reflected by the fact they head into this weekend sat in seventh position after one win, three draws, and a single defeat.

Despite the lack of clinical edge that David Martindale's men have shown, they do head into this match on the back of four games without a loss, proving how difficult they are to break down.

The Lions fought from behind last weekend to rescue a point as Bruce Anderson found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, but Livingston will be hoping to be more controlling moving forward.

Martindale's squad have struggled at home so far this season though, despite the advantages those games provide, as they are yet to win at the Almondvale Stadium in the SPL.

Despite that, three points at the weekend could potentially see them climb into fourth place if other results go their way as they aim to continue their consistent run of form.

However, Celtic will be confident that they can bring that spell to a screeching halt considering the fact that they have yet to be beaten in the league this season.

The Hoops are aiming to defend their title and have made an impressive start in achieving that feat as they already boast a two-point gap on their nearest challengers.

No team has scored more than Celtic's 11 goals so far in the SPL, but they have not let that take their attention away from the defensive side of the game as they have only conceded three times.

However, Brendan Rogers will want to see a much stronger performance than the one his men provided in midweek as their campaign in the Champions League commenced.

Celtic head into this weekend on the back of a 2-0 defeat against Feyenoord, in a game that also saw both Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm sent off, which they will now be aiming to quickly put behind them.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

L

D

L

W

D

D

Livingston form (all competitions):

D

L

W

W

D

D

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

D

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

W

L

D

W

W

L

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Team News

Andrew Shinnie was able to overcome an injury doubt to feature last weekend, and he should retain his place in the heart of the Lions midfield.

Anderson is expected to lead the line for Livingston after finding the back of the net in their recent 1-1 draw, with Joel Nouble providing width.

Luis Palma made his first start for Celtic in midweek and could be an option once again for the Hoops this time around.

Rogers was also able to use Reo Hatate back from the first whistle in midweek for the first time this season as he has now fully recovered from injury, adding further depth to his options.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Obileye, De Lucas; Brandon, Sangare, Holt, Penrice; Pittman, Guthrie, Nouble

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Johnston, Lagerkielke, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Turnbull; Hatate, Furuhashi, Maeda

We say: Livingston 0-2 Celtic

Livingston have proven themselves to be difficult to defeat so far this season, and that should lead to the Lions putting up a strong test against their opponents.

However, the league leaders should have enough quality overall to take all three points, with the attacking ability of Celtic likely being too much.

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