Despite a difficult few weeks, Celtic have turned it around in style following a 2-1 win against their Old Firm rivals Rangers at Celtic Park. They are back in the drivers’ seat for the Premiership crown and the galvanized Hoops must extend their winning streak in 2024 as they will travel to Paisley to lock horns with St Mirren on Tuesday afternoon.
Celtic grabbed an edgy win when these two sides clashed heads at Parkhead a couple of months ago. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored a late winner to seal all three points, but the gaffer Brendan Rodgers should demand less thrill and more command this time around at the SMiSA Stadium.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
The experience of Joe Hart has been key in terms of driving the game from the last line of defence. He should retain the ‘number 1’ status before Scott Bain.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers unlikely to recover in time for the St Mirren clash, Maik Nawrocki might get the nod to partner with Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. The Polish centre-back was called into action when Stephen Welsh was subbed off prematurely against Rangers after yet another fresh injury concern. The fullback pair Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor must operate from the right and left considering their aggression in attack and discipline in defence. Gustaf Lagerbielke, Anthony Ralston and Alexandro Bernabei should stay patient and wait for their opportunities having been involved sporadically so far this campaign.
Midfield
Reo Hatate is tipped to return after the winter break. But the Hoops boss seems to have a solution in midfield thanks to the emergence of Paulo Bernardo in recent outings. The Portuguese ace should keep hold of his ‘number 8’ status, and so is Matt O’Riley who has been exquisite with his high work ethic, ball-carrying ability and creative spark. Veteran Callum McGregor must orchestrate the show from the base with vision and leadership traits.
Attack
The return of Liel Abada has been a massive boost down the right-hand flank. Daizen Maeda should still find a place in the starting XI, but the swift skill and directness of the Israeli wideman might prove decisive if involved as a ‘super sub’. Luis Palma is irreplaceable on the left, also, the poaching attribute of Kyogo Furuhashi makes him the preferred ‘number 9’ option ahead of Oh. Mikey Johnston, Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest are also there to challenge and cover the first-team wingers.
