After a thrilling 5-2 win against Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup quarterfinal, Celtic will travel to Perth to lock horns with St Johnstone on Saturday evening. While the Hoops have won all five Premiership games without conceding a goal, the Saints are struggling at the wrong end of the standings with just one win in six league outings.
Brendan Rodgers rested several first-team stars last weekend but should restore them to the starting XI, particularly after a below-par defensive display. The high-flying Hoops have dominated this fixture over the years and the home side must punch above their weight to script an upset at McDiarmid Park.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face St Johnstone
Defence
Despite conceding a few goals in the League Cup and Champions League, Kasper Schmeichel has retained five consecutive Premiership clean sheets. He had a hard time against Falkirk but should find it easy with the regular backline tipped to be reinstated against St Johnstone.
Alistair Johnston is expected to return replacing Anthony Ralston down the right-hand side. Also, Greg Taylor must occupy the left-back slot following Alex Valle’s underwhelming debut. Stephen Welsh and Auston Trusty lacked chemistry and composure, and the gaffer should rely on Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Although they have parted ways with Matt O’Riley, the return of Paulo Bernardo, along with Arne Engels and Luke McCowan’s arrival, have strengthened the Hoops in the middle of the park. Engels has been exquisite since his high-profile move from Augsburg and the Belgium international might reclaim the starting status ahead of Bernardo irrespective of the latter’s stellar goal against the Bairns. Reo Hatate should keep his place, and so should the skipper Callum McGregor, who must drive the show from the base and allow space and freedom for both Hatate and Engels. Cup-tied McCowan missed the Falkirk game but is likely to appear as a ‘super sub’ as he has done so far since his summer transfer from Dundee.
Attack
Adam Idah’s quick-fire double turned things around for the Bhoys against John McGlynn’s men. However, the Irishman could make way for Kyogo Furuhashi given the Japanese hitman’s exquisite scoring record in Celtic colours. His compatriot Daizen Maeda was handed a rare rest, but the disappointing display of Luis Palma has only strengthened his position down the left. Nicolas Kuhn turned it around with two goals and two assists since his introduction as a second-half substitute, and the German wideman must start the Saints clash instead of James Forrest.
