Celtic travel to Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday hoping to build on their run of four consecutive victories in all competitions and close the 16-point gap to rivals Rangers at the top of the table.
The Hoops, who will play their sixth consecutive Boxing Day league match away from home, secured a 2-0 win against Ross County in midweek, while Hamilton lost to Livingston by the same scoreline.
Match preview
© Reuters
Celtic managed to win successive league matches for the first time since the beginning of October as goals from David Turnbull and Leigh Griffiths secured a comfortable victory at Celtic Park.
Neil Lennon was able to start both Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard up front together – a duo that has proven their prowess as a partnership before – and the Hoops boss could now be tempted to start the pair for a run of games.
Edouard is one man that Lennon is sure to rely on this weekend, as the Frenchman has scored five goals in his last two league games against Hamilton, including a hat-trick against them at Celtic Park in August's 5-1 trashing earlier this season.
Celtic have a good record away at the Accies, having won each of their last six league games there by an aggregate score of 17-3.
The Hoops also enjoy the festive period, particularly Boxing Day, winning each of their last eight league matches on this date since a 2-2 draw against Dundee United in 2006.
A victory on Saturday would be their 12th in the Scottish Premiership but they would only slightly narrow the huge 16-point gap at the top of the table if Rangers were to drop points against Hibernian.
© Reuters
Hamilton were unable to build on last weekend's victory at Ross County as they suffered a 2-0 home loss to Livingston on Wednesday, their sixth defeat at the Fountain of Youth stadium this season.
Brian Rice's side, who failed to have a single shot on target in the match, lacked creativity and any kind of a threat in the final third, which made it an easier evening for the visitors.
The Accies may have picked up seven points from their last five matches, but Rice is well aware that his side remain in a fight to survive and cannot afford to drop too many points from now on.
Hamilton have a dismal record against the Hoops, having lost 17 of their last 18 league meetings, including each of their last 13 in a row.
The Accies have also struggled on Boxing Day in recent seasons, losing all three of their games on this date without scoring a goal since their promotion to the top -flight in 2014.
Securing a surprise three points on Saturday could move them up three places to eighth in the table, seven points clear of bottom side Ross County, if they were to lose against St Mirren.
Hamilton Academical Scottish Premiership form: LDWLWL
Hamilton Academical form (all competitions): LDWLWL
Celtic Scottish Premiership form: DWDDWW
Celtic form (all competitions): LDWWWW
Team News
© Reuters
Hamilton were dealt a blow just after the hour mark against Livingston when goalkeeper Ryan Fulton picked up an injury, which saw him replaced by Kyle Gourlay, who is likely to start in his absence.
Winger David Templeton is not expected to return to the Hamilton first team until the end of January as he is still suffering with a groin injury.
Teenage defender Jamie Hamilton did return from a shinbone problem in midweek and is in contention to start against the Hoops.
Winger James Forrest is currently Celtic's only injury concern as he is still recovering from an ankle problem.
Scott Brown, who missed the match against Ross County, remains doubtful and Ismaila Soro could start once again in midfield.
Hamilton Academical possible starting lineup:
Gourlay; Easton, Martin, Stirling; McMann, Martin, Odoffin, Hodson; Thomas, Callachan; Moyo
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hazard; Frimpong, Ajer, Jullien, Laxalt; Soro; Christie, McGregor, Elyounoussi; Griffiths, Edouard
We say: Hamilton Academical 1-4 Celtic
The Hoops are yet to lose away from home in the league, while Hamilton have won only one of their nine league matches at the Fountain of Youth stadium this campaign. Celtic should take advantage of the league's leakiest defences and win comfortably once again this weekend.
