St Johnston vs Celtic Prediction - Champions travel to mid-table team trying to break the hundred point barrier

With the season drawing to the close, Celtic show no signs of abating. With two victories able to push them up onto 101 points for the season, their dominance throughout the league has been well documented. Their opponents on the weekend have not enjoyed the same success this year, though their top half finish will provide good foundations for next year’s season. Celtic’s attack has torn teams to shreds this season and their 4-3-3 will come up against a more traditional 4-4-2. While the result might not seem in doubt, St Johnston’s ability to double up on Celtic’s wide players might prove useful when seeking to slow down their sift attacking moves.

Form

St Johnston have been enjoying a decent run in recent weeks, though a loss to Motherwell by two goals to one will be something they might be able to look back on with regret. Prior to that, they were unbeaten in six. That could quickly turn to two losses from two after this weekend, however, and their hopes of catching up with Inverness might be fading away. Fifteen wins is the same as the team above them, but fewer draws and more losses might suggest that they lack the cutting edge required to claw their way back into matches.

Celtic’s form both home and away has been excellent. Two draws in their last five might seem to signal a slow-down, but two wins in their last two matches should see them back to winning ways. And it is not just the points which they have taken from these teams, but the manner in which they have done so. Six and five goals in these last two games have demonstrated the potency of their attack as well as signalling their intent to continue right up until the end of the season regardless of whether they have won the league or not.

Team News

With no new injury concerns, Gary McDonald and Michael O’Halloran have returned to the squad following lay offs. The game might come too soon for a start for McDonald but O’Halloran looks set for a starting role. Ahead of their cup final appearance, however, the manager might look to rest a few players. Tom Scabbie and Murray Davidson both remain the long term injury issues, with a return this season looking less and less likely.

Stokes and Commons will likely start as they look to continue their goal scoring form. Samaras remains lacking in match fitness and with the team firing in the goals, Neil Lennon might ease him back into the squad rather than force the issue. Several longer term issues continue to make themselves felt, as Steven Mouyokolo, Darnell Fisher, Nir Biton, James Forrest and Derk Boerrigter all continue to nurse various injuries. Thankfully, Celtic’s first choice line up remains vaguely settled and their strength in depth will allow them to field a strong team regardless.

St Johnston

P36 W20 D04 L12

WLDLW

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Mannus; Miller, Mackay, Anderson, Easton; Millar, Wotherspoon, Dunne, O’Halloran; May, Maclean

Celtic

P36 W15 D09 L12

LWDLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Forster; Mathews, Ambrose, van Dijk; Izaguirre; Brown, Johansen, Mulgrew; Commons, Stokes, Griffiths

Prediction: St Johnston 1 - 3 Celtic

Keeping Celtic’s attack quiet will be the main aim for the home side, though the champions are sure to get the win.