Celtic are back to winning ways, thanks to another hard-fought late victory against Dundee. While they remain third in the league standings, a strong run could see them conquer the coveted crown, knocking off Hearts and Rangers. The regular season will finish this weekend, with the Hoops set to host struggling St Mirren on Saturday afternoon.
The Hoops have clinched successive 1-0 wins so far in the league. However, their most recent meeting was a 1-3 defeat in the League Cup, and the reigning Scottish champions must secure back-to-back triumphs over the Buddies, both in the Premiership and next weekend’s Scottish Cup semifinal.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel’s season-ending shoulder surgery has left Celtic with Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan as the goalkeeping options. Sinisalo, who has been the understudy to the veteran Dane, is expected to retain his starting status for the rest of the campaign.
With Colby Donovan, Julian Araujo, and Alistair Johnston all currently unavailable, Anthony Ralston is likely the only fit senior right-back for the upcoming match. Despite Benjamin Arthur’s impressive form, Martin O’Neill should stick with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, who have been the preferred central defensive pair in the wake of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury absence.
Marcelo Saracchi set it up as a ‘super sub’ for Kelechi Iheanacho against the Dark Blues. Yet, the Uruguayan would deputise Kieran Tierney, as the latter has been the first-choice left fullback upon his return to Parkhead in the summer window.
Midfield
Arne Engels is closing in on a return from his thigh injury, but the St Mirren tie would be too soon for the Belgian to claim a starting spot in the centre of the pitch. Although they have Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo, O’Neill should bank on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who offered a balance between defence and attack while partnering with Callum McGregor deep down the midfield. Benjamin Nygren should be offered a free role as an advanced playmaker for his creative spark in and around the attacking third.
Attack
O’Neill dropped Iheanacho against Dundee in favour of Tomas Cvancara following their defeat against Dundee United. But the Nigerian scored the winner off the bench, which could see him reclaim the ‘number 9’ status at Celtic Park. In-form Hyun-Jun Yang must exhibit his flair from the right-hand flank. In contrast, Daizen Maeda’s dreadful form remains a concern, even though the gaffer has relied on the versatile Japanese ace down the left ahead of Sebastian Tounekti and James Forrest.
