Celtic travel to Livingston next weekend as they continue their defence of the Scottish Premiership title in West Lothian.
For now, we will have to do with the international break; however, Brendan Rodgers may be able to call upon the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Liam Scales for the trip to the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Cameron Carter-Vickers came through our last clash against St Johnstone unscathed, and if all goes well, the United States international will be fit to play after staying at Lennoxtown rather than travelling to link up with the United States national team.
Rangers take on Hibernian the day before and could move two points clear if they topple Nick Montgomery’s outfit; regardless, Celtic will head into the week of the Glasgow Derby at the summit with three points at Livingston.
Last time out against the Lions, a hat-trick from Daizen Maeda and a late Kyogo Furuhashi strike saw off a spirited display from David Martindale’s side as the Bhoys progressed to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
Daniel MacKay and Tete Yengi were on target for the visitors on a day when Brendan Rodgers’ men endured their fair share of uncomfortable moments in defence.
Despite this, Livingston lie ten points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership and appear odds-on to suffer relegation unless Martindale can enact a minor miracle over their next eight league matches.
David Martindale previews Celtic’s trip to Livingston
Livingston weren’t a million miles off claiming a result at Parkhead in the last meeting between the pair; nevertheless, our quality on the day proved too much for Martindale’s outfit to contend with.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming rematch between the sides on league duty, the 49-year-old has adopted an optimistic outlook, claiming the Lions could unearth more openings because they are on home soil.
He also opened up on Livingston’s cup frustration at Parkhead, stating [Daily Record]: “Going to Parkhead, you’re trying to stay in the game in difficult moments, but coming to Livingston, I think you’ll have some moments yourself. It’s about trying to take those opportunities.
“In the Scottish Cup game the substitutions changed it in Celtic’s favour – they were bringing on multi-million pound players and our bench was a wee bit light.
“I think we have to give the lads great credit, for 85 minutes they were in a game, gave Celtic as good as it got, and unfortunately succumbed to two late goals in the game.
“We lost a poor third, were chasing a goal ourselves, left ourselves a wee bit open at the back, hence the fourth goal.
“But there were a lot of positives to take from the game. At this point, where we are, where we find ourselves, is looking for the positives in a performance.”
Celtic need to find a way past Livingston next weekend
It goes without saying that our trip to Livingston won’t be a procession despite their league position, factoring in their much-maligned artificial surface and ability to impose themselves physically in proceedings.
Celtic did manage to prevail 3-0 at the Tony Macaroni Arena last September despite being reduced to ten men courtesy of Joe Hart’s red card, and we have won our three meetings against the Lions this term.
On paper, the Bhoys should have enough to take care of the basement battlers, though we have seen in years gone by that Livingston can be a competitive force against the reigning Scottish champions, signifying that we have little room for complacency.
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