League leaders Celtic are again in motion away to St Johnstone within the Scottish Premiership this afternoon, with the Previous Agency outfit heading into that conflict off the again of their comfy, midweek overcome Livingston.
That the majority latest encounter noticed first-half objectives from Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi seal the factors for the Hoops at Parkhead, with Ange Postecoglou’s facet persevering with to look considerably imperious within the defence of their title.
Whereas bitter rivals Rangers have considerably utilized the strain of late amid their unbeaten run beneath new boss Michael Beale, the champions look like displaying few indicators of nerves on the summit, with one other win set to be anticipated towards a facet whom the Bhoys have already overwhelmed twice this season.
Forward of that journey to Perth, right here’s how Football FanCast predicts that the guests will line up: (GK) Hart; (RB) Johnston, (CB) Carter-Vickers, (CB) Starfelt, (LB) Taylor; (CDM) Iwata, (CM) McGregor, (CM) O’Riley; (RW) Maeda, (ST) Kyogo, (LW) Jota.
Postecoglou revealed previous to the assembly with Callum Davidson’s males that full-back Anthony Ralston will as soon as once more be unavailable as a result of damage, whereas backup goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist can also be set to be absent from the matchday squad.
With that in thoughts, we predict that the title-winning coach will make simply one change from the facet that ran out 3-0 winners final outing, with the 57-year-old unlikely to make any alterations to a backline that saved a clear sheet towards Livi.
Ought to Iwata be handed a begin at this time?
Sure!
No
One tactical tweak may properly lie in midfield with the journey to McDiarmid Park permitting the prospect for Postecoglou handy January arrival Tomoki Iwata his first begin for the membership, with the “unbelievable” gem – as lauded by former boss Kevin Muscat – having made two substitute outings to date.
The Japanese worldwide’s introduction may permit the prospect for dependable skipper Callum McGregor to be deployed in a extra superior central berth, with that alteration affording £12k-per-week machine, Reo Hatate – who has been described as an “absolute beast” by journalist Sacha Pisani – the prospect of a relaxation after beginning every of the final 17 league video games.
The ultimate berth in that midfield trio may properly be taken up by Matt O’Riley following the Denmark U21 worldwide’s standout showing final outing, with the playmaker having registered an aesthetic help for Kyogo’s strike on the stroke of halftime.
As for the ahead line, the latter man is ready to retain his place via the center with latest addition Oh Hyeon-gyu nonetheless not ready to characteristic from the beginning, whereas each Jota and Daizen Maeda may once more line up on the flanks.