There’s a positive energy surrounding Celtic heading into today’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash at home to St Johnstone.
Bolstered by injury returns, Ange Postecoglou has finally been able to name a strong eleven and bench in recent weeks. It’s paying off with results. The Bhoys have won three games on the spin and kept two successive clean sheets.
Callum Davidson’s side meanwhile arrives off the back of a heavy 3-0 defeat against Livingston. They’ll be looking to get their season back on track against a big target.
However, Postecoglou will be setting his team up with attacking intent and the smart money would be on the Bhoys picking up another victory given the weapons available.
Joe Hart is a guarantee to start in goal after his fine performance against Ferencvaros on Tuesday. The Europa League encounter was one of his best games in a Celtic jersey as he continues to improve his distribution and connection with his defence.
The back four is where I’m predicting we see the main changes in the team. Anthony Ralston was superb midweek, but today is a good opportunity to give his legs a rest ahead of a busy upcoming schedule. Josip Juranovic is again available and could come into the side on the right flank, with Boli Bolingoli also returning after European ineligibility.
In the middle, Postecoglou is likely to continue building the partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. They’re looking increasingly solid together and have the chance to keep another clean sheet today.
The rest of the team almost picks itself at the moment.
Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic are likely to be the midfield three, with the Celtic captain performing the ‘number 6’ role and connecting defence to attack.
That attack should again be lethal and full of threat. Jota and Kyogo are simply in delightful form, while Liel Abada always has the direct nature to make a difference.
Can Celtic continue building this momentum and said home fans away happy?
Your Predicted XI in full is: Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bolingoli, McGregor, Turnbull, Rogic, Abada, Jota, Kyogo.
In other news, Christopher Jullien not expected to be available for Celtic until late November.
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