Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Livingston, including predictions, team news and potential line-ups.
Celtic will look to strengthen their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership table when they host livingston Wednesday night.
With the home team holding a nine-point lead in first place, the fourth-placed visitors travel to Glasgow on a five-game unbeaten run.
match preview
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There was a time when Celtic returned from the World Cup break where it looked like they were struggling to rediscover their relentless domestic form until November.
However, after five wins and clean sheets, there is no longer any doubt, Angel PostecoglouThe side ensure that they remain nine points clear of Rangers.
The form of their Glasgow rivals may have helped keep Celtic on track, although they had to rely on two second-half goals to beat Dundee United on Sunday.
With no European football to look forward to, Celtic can focus on trying to win the treble, and they face only one away game in four games before playing Rangers in the League Cup final on February 26.
Still with a perfect home record in the league, no one will expect Celtic to falter in the coming weeks, however they face an in-form side on Wednesday.
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Since suffering back-to-back defeats on December 21 and 24, Livingston has gone on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
As well as progress in the Scottish Cup, nine points from five league games have secured them a two-point lead in fourth.
Despite only drawing 0-0 with Hearts on Sunday, David Martindale they will still have ambitions to chase third place, the current deficit is seven points with one game to go.
Livingston pushed Celtic to the limit in the same game on December 21, losing only by a score of 2–1 with all three goals scored in the first half.
Scottish Celtic Premiership form:
Celtic form (all competitions):
Livingston Scottish Premiership Form:
Livingston form (all competitions):
team news
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Given the three-day turnaround, Postecoglou will almost certainly be looking to rotate some of his Celtic players for this contest.
Matt O’Riley Y david turnbull both could return to midfield, while daizen maeda is in contention for a retirement in the final third.
yuki kobayashi He can also return in the middle of the baseline, although carl starfelt could keep his place given Livingston’s position in the table.
Jack Fitzwater’s place in the center of defense depends on the level of interest in his signing before Tuesday’s deadline.
Ayo Obileye it’s on standby to take its place if a transfer materializes, and may turn out to be the only alteration.
Possible Celtic starting line-up:
Deer; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O’Riley, McGregor, Turnbull; Abada, Furuhashi, Maeda
Livingston’s possible starting lineup:
Jorge; Devlin, Fitzwater, Boyes, Penrice; Omeonga, Se. Kelly, Pittman; Bradley, Anderson, St.Kelly
We Say: Celtic 3-0 Livingston
Although Livingston will relish the chance to prove themselves at Celtic Park, it comes at a time when they may be distracted by transfer talks. With that in mind, we expect Celtic to pull off a comfortable win, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, click here.
