Preview: Livingston vs. Celtic - prediction, team news, lineups

Celtic have the opportunity to maintain their position as the league leaders on Sunday when they travel to face Livingston as the title race continues between them and Rangers.

The Lions head into this match in impressive for themselves though, having been undefeated in their previous five outings in the Scottish Premiership.

Match preview

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The title race remains a tight one between Celtic and Rangers heading into the final few games of the season, with just three points separating the Old Firm rivals right now.

While Ange Postecoglou's men are in the driving seat at the moment, there is no room for errors, as that would open the door for them to be overtaken, adding real pressure onto each match.

After being held to a frustrating goalless draw last weekend, the Hoops quickly got back to winning ways by defeating St Mirren 2-0 thanks to goals from Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor.

Celtic have been extremely dominant within the Scottish Premiership this season, losing just three games throughout this campaign, with their last defeat in the league taking place back in September.

However, the club will be well aware that the last team to take three points away from them in the league was their opponents this weekend, as Livingston earned a 1-0 victory on that occasion.

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Andrew Shinnie scored the only goal of the game on that day, which is a result the Lions would be more than happy to replicate as they continue their battle to secure a top-four finish.

David Martindale's team are actually undefeated against Celtic this season, as their previous meeting led to a goalless draw where Giorgos Giakoumakis missed from the penalty spot.

Considering the fact they have already taken three points from the league leaders, Livingston will be sure to provide another stern test, especially since they are undefeated in their previous five Scottish Premiership matches.

While Livingston technically could still finish above Hearts, it would take the Jambos losing every game, therefore the focus is likely going to be on retaining their fourth spot.

With several teams just one point behind them, Martindale's men have plenty to fight for in their own right, and they are coming in fresh from a 2-1 victory against Dundee United in midweek.

Team News

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Despite Ivan Konovalov joining the club recently on a loan deal, Martindale has continued to stick with Max Stryjek in goal, and he should retain his place in the team on Sunday.

Bruce Anderson is expected to lead the line for the Lions, while Alan Forrest and Jon Nouble will find themselves either side of him, providing width.

Celtic could choose to name an unchanged starting XI after only one alteration was made in midweek which led to Matt O'Riley replacing Tom Rogic in the midfield.

Joe Hart will once again be in goal, looking for his third consecutive clean sheet, while at the other end of the field Giakoumakis could be in line to return to the squad following an illness.

Livingston possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Penrice; Pittman, Holt, Omeonga; Nouble, Forrest, Anderson

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Abada, Jota, Maeda

We say: Livingston 1-2 Celtic

Livingston are enjoying a strong period of form right now, and they will not want to slip from the fourth place that they have worked so hard to achieve.

However, Celtic are battling in a title race where every point matters, and the ruthlessness they have shown this season could come out here in what will likely be a closely-fought game.

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