Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon, per the official club website.
The full match squad is as follows:
Starting XI – Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, Bitton, McGregor, Rogic, Forrest, Jota, Maeda.
Substitutes – Bain, Giakoumakis, Abada, McCarthy, Ideguchi, O’Riley, Hatate, Welsh, Juranovic.
Today’s a big one for the Bhoys. We all know Celtic’s awful record at Livingston and we’ll not labour the point but today really is a test.
With Rangers winning at home to Aberdeen yesterday, nothing less than a win will do today to maintain a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Postecoglou has brought in a few players who didn’t start vs St Mirren mid-week – Anthony Ralston, Nir Bitton and James Forrest all get the chance to impress.
Giorgos Giakoumakis also returns to the bench after missing two games through illness.
Strap in for what is going to be an eventful 90 minutes!
Broadcast details
Today’s 12pm kick-off against Livingston is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Celtic TV are also carrying live coverage for subscribers outside of the UK & Ireland.
In Australia, you can watch the game on Kayo Sports and beIN Sports 3. Meanwhile in the USA, the fixture is being aired live on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Network. A full list of global channels can be found via LiveSoccerTV.
BBC Radio Scotland are also carrying live audio commentary across their platforms.
Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Livingston
For me, Postecoglou has sprung a few surprises today. I was expecting a Bitton call in midfield, freeing up Callum McGregor to take more attacking responsibility.
However, I was also expecting Giorgos Giakoumakis to make a start. Postecoglou has instead gone for the work rate and pressing ability of Daizen Maeda. Clearly, he thinks he can do a similar job to Wednesday night, preventing Livingston from playing any kind of football with defence from the front.
We will miss that physical presence in the box though. Livingston away seems made for Giakoumakis.
I suppose we’ll always have the Greek to come off the bench and, as always, Ange knows the script.
In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou lauds crucial behind-the-scenes group.
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