Celtic team vs Livingston confirmed: Abada call, stream details, instant reaction

By John McGinley

December 21, 2022

Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Livingston for tonight’s Scottish Premiership clash.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley, Abada, Jota, Kyogo.

Substitutes – Siegrist, Jenz, Giakoumakis, Haksabanovic, Mooy, Turnbull, Maeda, Bernabei, Forrest.

Celtic have the chance to restore a healthy nine-point lead at the top of the table tonight after second-placed Rangers won their fixture away to Aberdeen last night.

Postecoglou has named a very strong starting eleven, arguably the strongest from the available pool of players right now. There’s just one change to the line-up with Liel Abada coming in for Daizen Maeda on the right flank.

Elsewhere, Sead Haksabanovic returns to the bench after picking up a knock in training last week.

Broadcast details

Tonight’s sold-out match is not on Sky Sports, however, viewers inside the UK & Ireland can purchase a pay-per-view stream direct from Celtic via this link for £12.99.

Subscribers to Celtic TV outside of the UK & Ireland can also watch on that service.

BBC Radio Scotland are also carrying live audio commentary.

Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Livingston

Tonight’s team is actually my preferred and predicted eleven published to the site earlier today, so you’ll not find any complaints here about the line-up.

Abada was our most impressive player in the second half against Aberdeen and fully merits a chance to shine up against a defensive Livingston tonight.

I like the balance between his direct nature and the ball-dribbling abilities of Jota. Hopefully, Kyogo Furuhashi has found his shooting boots too and adds to his top scorer status.

Celtic have won all seven of their home league matches this term and there’s no reason to think that trend won’t continue this evening. Bring it on!

In other news, “That’s my frustration”; Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou wants refereeing change.