Celtic are now firm favourites to conquer the ‘domestic treble’ following last weekend’s League Cup triumph over Rangers at Hampden Park. They are maintaining a nine-point cushion in the Premiership standings, but the upcoming test against St Mirren might prove tricky when these two sides will clash heads at Paisley 2021 Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Hoops’ only league defeat came against the Buddies earlier this campaign. Although they have registered thumping victories at Celtic Park, there is no place for complacency in the Bhoys’ camp given the Gers’ incredible run of results since the managerial alteration during the World Cup break. Stephen Robinson’s men, fighting for European football, must deliver a headstrong performance in their own backyard.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Joe Hart has been vulnerable at times, but he remains irreplaceable for his profound experience between the sticks. Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist are also there as the understudy to the veteran Englishman, however, the Celts must find a long-term solution in due course of time.
Fit-again Anthony Ralston is back in the matchday squad, but he has lost his place to Alistair Johnston who has impressed down the right since completing a winter transfer. Greg Taylor must feature from the left ahead of Alexandro Bernabei, and the central defensive spots belong to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt with Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi likely to continue as sporadic options for the time being.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor drives the show from his deep-lying role. He has been immense as a ‘number six’ for his work rate and vision. His presence would allow Reo Hatate to operate box-to-box with his relentless runs and link-up play. Aaron Mooy should be the other ‘number 8’ given his creative spark in and around the attacking third. Matt O’Riley, David Turnbull and Tomoki Iwata could be involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Kyogo Furuhashi won it single-handedly against the Light Blues when he scored a brace in the League Cup final. The Japanese sensation must spearhead the attack, as his poaching trait would keep the St Mirren defenders on their toes. Sead Haksabanovic deserves a start after a few cameos in recent weeks. Still, the gaffer Ange Postecoglou is expected to rely on Daizen Maeda for his high work ethic and efficiency from the left-hand flank. Liel Abada, Filipe Jota and James Forrest are there among the other wide attackers, also the Bhoys are blessed to have Oh Hyeon-gyu as an alternative to Furuhashi upfront.
