Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic proceed this hectic festive schedule by taking over St Johnstone at Parkhead this afternoon, with Hoops supervisor Ange Postecoglou hoping to obtain a perfect Christmas current with a constructive end result and efficiency from his crew.
The 57-year-old was lower than impressed with the way of the show within the midweek conquer Livingston, with the previous Yokohama F Marinos boss insisting that the show of his facet was “not so good“, regardless of the eventual 2-1 victory.
Postecoglou instructed that there might be “some changes” for as we speak’s assembly in opposition to Callum Davidson’s males, with the Scottish champions having run out 2-1 winners when the 2 groups met earlier this season in Perth.
With that in thoughts, right here’s how Football FanCast predicts that the Previous Agency outfit will line up (4-3-3): (GK) Hart; (RB) Carter-Vickers, (CB) Jenz, (CB) Starfelt, (LB) Taylor; (CM) McGregor, (CM) O’Riley, (CM) Turnbull; (RW) Abada, (ST) Kyogo, (LW) Forrest
The most important concern for Postecoglou heading into the match is at right-back, with the Hoops sweating on the health of Anthony Ralston after the 24-year-old limped off final trip, Josip Juranovic afforded break day following his World Cup exploits and Alistair Johnston not eligible till the New Yr.
As such, we predict that there can be three changes from the facet which claimed victory on Wednesday. Summer season signing Moritz Jenz is doubtlessly set to come back into the backline instead of the stricken Ralston, albeit with Cameron Carter-Vickers set to fill the void on the precise of defence, having previously featured in that position in his profession.
The notable alteration in midfield may see Reo Hatate give means, with the “outrageous” expertise – as beforehand lauded by Scotland worldwide John McGinn – having been ineffective in midweek, failing to win a single duel and shedding possession 13 instances.
That would properly see the “phenomenal” David Turnbull – as described by pundit Alan Hutton – return alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley. In assault, Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada ought to preserve their locations within the ahead line.
The ultimate alteration may see Portuguese gem Jota give means, with the 23-year-old having now failed to register a objective or an help in any of his final 4 Premiership video games.
That lack of affect ought to see the skilled James Forrest return to the beginning XI, with the long-serving ace having scored ten instances and registered six assists in 28 conferences in opposition to as we speak’s opponents.