Celtic are set to face St. Johnstone for the third time in 11 days, and on the previous two occasions, the Hoops came out victorious by a 2-0 scoreline. Both the games followed similar patterns as St. Johnstone frustrated Celtic for some time, but in the end, Rodgers’ men had enough quality to see their rivals off. Celtic are in pursuit of a ‘treble-treble’, and we expect them to be relentless even in this cup tie.
The match is set to take place at Celtic Park so St. Johnstone’s task is further cut out, but they have it in them to cause an upset on their day. However, on paper, Celtic should have enough firepower to see them off once again.
Team News: Celtic are currently struggling with some major injury issues. James Forrest pulled his hamstring, and he is unlikely to start in this game. Celtic’s record signing Odsonne Edouard is also a doubt. Dedryck Boyata made a comeback when he started in the midweek game versus Hibernian.
Filip Benkovic is not going to see any action this month. Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig are also on the treatment table, and the likes of Daniel Arzani and Eboue Kouassi are out for the rest of the season. Emilio Izaguirre should be alright after the initial diagnosis was that he could be out for a long time when he was got injured as a result of a dangerous tackle against the Hibs. Olivier Ntcham is close to returning and might make an appearance on the bench.
Celtic’s predicted lineup Vs St. Johnstone
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain is set to start in goal for the Hoops. Dedryck Boyata should be trusted once again to start in the heart of the defence now that he is fit. Kristoffer Ajer could come into the starting eleven in place of Jozo Simunovic.
Emilio Izaguirre might have survived a lengthy spell out, but he could be rested for this tie. Jonny Hayes is likely to fill in the left back spot in his absence. Winter signing, Jeremy Toljan is expected to start from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Scott Brown is back to his best after the winter break, and the caption should start in the middle of the park. Callum McGregor is the creative spark in midfield, and he is often the difference maker when it comes to picking out the right pass.
Ryan Christie is expected to start in the no. 10 role. Timothy Weah is going to start on the right, and the PSG loanee has settled in well at the club. Scott Sinclair should once again operate from the left.
Attack
Oliver Burke’s movement and pace up front are impressive, and he is expected to lead the line for the home team.
