After Scotland’s incredible late win against Denmark en route to securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup berth, the Scottish Premiership should grab more attention this weekend when the reigning champions Celtic clash heads with St Mirren in Paisley. They must script a winning streak to close the gap on league leaders Hearts, and their supremacy over the Buddies is likely to persist, unless the hosts defy the odds.
Celtic snatched an edgy 1-0 win in the opening gameweek, thanks to Luke McCowan’s late goal at Parkhead. But the Bhoys’ season went downhill from there, ultimately leading to Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal. Although the club have appointed Gary O’Neill as an interim chief, the search is on for the Northern Irishman’s long-term successor, with Wilfried Nancy being the frontrunner, according to reports.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel had a setback at Hampden Park when Denmark were denied an automatic World Cup spot following a 4-2 defeat against the Tartan Army. The veteran custodian has experienced several highs and lows throughout his career, and is now expected to finish the season strongly, amid doubts over his future beyond next summer.
Forgotten Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was a surprise pick against Kilmarnock ahead of Anthony Ralston for the right-back role. The young Manchester City loanee should keep his place, with Alistair Johnston sidelined for a significant period after undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this month. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales would pair up in deep defence in the wake of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ long-term injury absence. A fresh hamstring strain has ruled Marcelo Saracchi out for weeks; however, Kieran Tierney, who scored an injury-time stunner on Tuesday night to send his nation to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, should be ready to feature week in and week out, overcoming his form and fitness issues.
Midfield
O’Neill switched to a ‘double pivot’ for a few games but restored a three-man midfield after a 3-1 Europa League defeat against Midtjylland. Callum McGregor must drive the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, and the gaffer should bring Benjamin Nygren back to the starting XI, replacing McCowan. Arne Engels scored and assisted from the bench against Killie, and therefore, deserves a nod over Reo Hatate, who has been a shadow of his earlier self in the centre of the pitch.
Attack
Celtic are decimated high up the pitch, with in-form Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand out with hamstring injuries. Johnny Kenny has stepped up and delivered while spearheading the attack; also, Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti remain the preferred options down the flanks over James Forrest, Hyun-Jun Yang and Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
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