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Celtic logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 30
Mar 16, 2024 at 3pm UK
Celtic Park
St Johnstone logo

Celtic
3 - 1
St Johnstone

Furuhashi (40'), Kuhn (46'), Forrest (68')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Smith (81')
Sidibeh (45'), Phillips (90+5'), McGowan (90+1')

Preview: Celtic vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and St Johnstone, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership table meet on Saturday as second-placed Celtic host St Johnstone, who are involved in the relegation battle.

Despite their current position, the visitors head into the game on the back of two games without a loss, bringing plenty of confidence into the weekend.


Match preview

Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their fourth goal with James Forrest and Paulo Bernardo on March 10, 2024© Reuters

Celtic responded to losing against Hearts in style last weekend, as they blew away Livingston in the Scottish Cup, immediately getting back to winning ways at the first time of asking.

A Daizen Maeda hat-trick and a goal from Kyogo Furuhashi led to a 4-2 win on the day as the club secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition, but the focus will now shift back to league football and their attempt to defend the Scottish Premiership.

Despite scoring more than any team in the division, the Hoops currently find themselves trailing Rangers in the table, with the focus for Brendan Rodgers simply being on keeping the pressure on them.

With the gap between the Old Firm rivals being just two points, there is no room for error as far as Rangers are concerned, but Celtic will need to pick up maximum points to potentially capitalise on that.

The Hoops have only lost once at home this season in the Scottish Premiership which should breathe plenty of confidence into the team, especially since the visitors only boast two wins on the road.

St Johnstone's Liam Gordon in action with Rangers' Fabio Silva on February 18, 2024© Reuters

Despite St Johnstone's difficulties away from home, they did take a point during their visit to Celtic Park earlier this season after a goalless draw, showcasing their ability to cause problems for the Hoops.

That combined with the fact they have picked up positive results in consecutive games should bring plenty of belief into the squad as they prepare for this fixture.

The Saints followed up a victory against Aberdeen by drawing to Livingston in their most recent outing, with Nicky Clark's 87th-minute goal rescuing a point.

It was a positive result for St Johnstone considering it pushed them further away from the relegation zone, as they now have a four-point gap to protect.

However, after scoring only six goals in away matches throughout the season, there will be some pressure on the attackers to step up and take any chances that are provided to them against Celtic.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:


Celtic form (all competitions):


St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:


Team News

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts on March 10, 2024© Reuters

Hyunjun Yang could end up returning to the starting lineup for the Hoops this weekend after he missed out on the Scottish Cup match due to suspension.

Maeda should retain his place in the team after scoring three past Livingston, while Furuhashi will be expected to feature from the first minute this time around.

Rodgers is missing several players for this weekend though with Maik Nawrocki, Reo Hatate, James McCarthy and Callum McGregor all on the sidelines.

Adama Sidibeh returned to the St Johnstone bench for their draw against Livingston, and he could continue to push for a place in the team.

However, Craig Levein has named an unchanged XI during their past two games and considering the positive results his team have been getting, it is likely he will keep that going.


Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, Iwata, Bernardo; Furuhashi, Idah, Maeda

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Mitov; Keltjens, McGowan, Gordon, Robinson; Sprangler, Phillips, Smith, Clark, Jaiyesimi; Kimpioka



SM words green background

We say: Celtic 2-0 St Johnstone

Celtic's attacking qualities should be enough to guide them to three points this weekend, with their squad boasting more quality overall.

Although St Johnstone are in good form at the moment, which should lead to them putting up a competitive fight, the Hoops will still be the favourites.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Game History

How you voted: Celtic vs St Johnstone

Celtic
89.7%
Draw
10.3%
St Johnstone
0.0%
29
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General view inside Celtic's stadium before the match on January 21, 2024
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic30225371234871
2RangersRangers29231564164870
3Hearts3017493930955
4Kilmarnock30111183933644
5St Mirren30126123637-142
6Hibernian30911104145-438
7Dundee2999114050-1036
8Motherwell30711124147-632
9Aberdeen3079143348-1530
10St Johnstone30610142141-2028
11Ross County3069152851-2327
12Livingston3038192052-3217


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