clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

AFTER THE SHOW: A CELTIC-ST JOHNSTONE PREVIEW

St Johnstone v Celtic - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Scott Sinclair scores in our last game against St Johnstone
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

CELTIC V ST JOHNSTONE (SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP: SATURDAY 6TH APRIL; 3:00PM)

Celtic return to Celtic Park after last week's legendary triumph at Ibrox to take on fourth placed St Johnstone.

Team Selection: We know that there will be at least two changes to the side from last week, as Scott Brown is suspended and Mikael Lustig is being rested. Presumably that means that Tom Rogic and Cristian Gamboa will start, with Stuart Armstrong - if he's not rested - playing in the Brown role. Rogic needs another start and I would start him in every game between now and the Scottish Cup Final. Erik Sviatchenko could also be in line for a start. Perhaps James Forrest will come back in for Patrick Roberts as Roberts' time at Celtic nears to an end, same with Emilio Izaguirre in for Kieran Tierney. Leigh Griffiths will continue up front as Moussa Dembele is still injured. Interestingly, Brendan Rodgers said this week that he will gradually introduce young players to the squad, so some players from the development squad could be on the bench.

Previous Meetings: Back in August Celtic stormed into a 3-0 lead in Perth, a James Forrest solo goal the highlight, before St Johnstone pulled two goals back, but a Ryan Christie goal made the points safe in a 4-2 win.

At Celtic Park in January a single Dedryck Boyata goal was the difference between the sides.

In February a second half Moussa Dembele hat-trick - including the goal of the season - was the highlight of a 5-2 Celtic victory.

Prediction: There is always a slight danger of a hangover after last week's result, but Brendan Rodgers will want no let-up from the side even with some changes, and although St Johnstone will give us a hard game, Celtic should win out in the end.

Celtic 3 St Johnstone 1