Celtic vs Inverness Prediction – Champions Still In Pursuit Of Highest Possible Points Total

Having the best defensive record in the league, it was a surprise to see Celtic concede three goals in their match against Motherwell. While it will do nothing to affect their trophy haul this season (they are already champions), it has put a dent in their quest to achieve a record total of points. Neil Lennon spoke out after the match, claiming his side were unrecognisable in the first half, though their next opponents might be the ideal team to face, coming up against an Inverness team with little form and little to play for. In terms of the squad, it is well known that no other team in Scotland can match Celtic. Tactically, then, Inverness will be hoping to wrest control of the tie. While they typically play with two banks of four and Vincent off the main striker, they could be tempted to pack the midfield and nullify the Glaswegians control of the midfield and their counter attacking threat.

Celtic remain undefeated in the league since losing to Aberdeen in February. However, having already been crowned champions, it might be difficult to find the motivation for the remainder of the season’s matches. Lennon has already talked about transfer targets for next season, seeming to indicate that it is not just the players whose eyes might have turned away from the immediate future. Having set a goal of a record total of 100 points in an effort to combat this problem, the draw with Motherwell (and the manner of the draw – a last minute equaliser) might be enough to demonstrate that the will to win is not as strong as it once was.

Inverness, however, find themselves in a somewhat similar position. Despite being fifth in the table, there is not a great deal for them to play for: European football is seemingly out of their reach and there is no worry of relegation. Their form reflects this, with two losses and two draws in their last five matches. Finding the motivation might be tough, but the chance to take a big scalp from the bully boys of Scottish football could be the motivating factor which gets the team going.

Team News

Celtic continue to be missing a number of players, with Steven Mouyokolo, Darnell Fisher, Adam Matthews, Charlie Mulgrew, Nir Biton, James Forrest and Derk Boerrigter all out for the immediate future, though a return for Mikael Lusitg could be drawing closer. The key members of the squad have remained fit and healthy, however, including top scorers Kris Commons. The availability of key players is a further illustration of the depth available to the Celtic Park side and fielding the better side should not be an issue for them.

John Hughes’s side cannot boast the same depth and find themselves affected by injuries in key positions. Their captain, Richie Foran has recently had knee surgery and Graeme Shinnie has has been absent from recent games with a ban.

Celtic

P34 W28 D05 L01

WWDWD

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Forster; Herron, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izaguirre; Brown, Kayal, Johansen; Commons, Stokes, Samaras.

Inverness

P34 W15 D08 L11

LDLWD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Brill; Raven, Warren, Meekings, Tremarco; Dorran, Tansey, Draper, Watkins; Vincent; McKay

Prediction: Celtic 2 – 0 Inverness

With neither team fighting towards any particular goal, Celtic’s better players and home advantage should be enough to give them the win.