Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership tonight, as per the official club Twitter account.
The full matchday squad is as follows:
Starting XI – Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Abada, Jota, Maeda
Substitutes – Bain, Bitton, Ajeti, McCarthy, Rogic, Ideguchi, Forrest, Ralston, Karamoko
Celtic have a huge opportunity to keep the pressure on our rivals and bounce back from Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Hibernian. With Rangers in action at St Johnstone tonight, there’s no telling what 3 points might do for our lead at the top.
The supporters will also want to see a strong performance from the team after some ropey displays as of late. Unconvincing league performances against Dundee and Hibs have been mixed in with the dreadful Europa Conference League exit to Bodo/Glimt. We could do with a big win tonight to get back on track.
Ange has made one change from Sunday’s game against Hibs with Matt O’Riley coming back into the starting XI as Tom Rogic drops to the bench. Outside of that, it’s the same again as we look for a reaction.
There’s certainly pressure on the Bhoys to get the job done. But at the same time, the match tonight also looks like a major opportunity to get some confidence back. The Hoops managed a 6-0 win over St Mirren the last time they visited Parkhead.
Broadcast details
Tonight’s match will be live on the Pass to Paradise service for season-ticket holders due to it being at Celtic Park.
Celtic TV will also be screening the game live for subscribers outside of the UK and Ireland. For subscribers on these shores, live audio will be available.
For those unable to watch the game live, BBC Scotland will be providing live audio and text updates from the Parkhead clash.
The game won’t be screened on Sky Sports, with St Johnstone vs Rangers being selected for live TV coverage instead.
Instant verdict on Celtic team vs St Mirren
Again, it’s as strong as we could probably be. Fans were left wondering why O’Riley missed out against Hibs, so his inclusion looks appropriate here.
It is, however, surprising to see no place for Giorgos Giakoumakis in the matchday squad at all. He misses out when it looks as though a substitute role beckoned for him.
There is a strong bench available if necessary. Interesting to note the return of Albian Ajeti too, who makes his first matchday squad in 2022.
You can’t really complain with the rest of the team. Perhaps having Anthony Ralston back in at right-back would’ve been ideal, but this really should be enough to see off St Mirren.
Fingers crossed it goes as smoothly as possible this evening. A convincing win would go a lont way to easing some of the concerns supporters have had lately.
In other news, Celtic boss’ important message to Lennoxtown youngsters that went under the radar yesterday
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