Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 20

Dec 29, 2024 at 3pm UK

Celtic Park

Celtic vs St Johnstone

Match preview

Celtic have enjoyed a remarkable first half of the 2024-25 season, suffering just one defeat in the 27 games they have played so far in all competitions.

That one defeat came on the second matchday of the Champions League phase, a humiliating 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, but Celtic recovered quickly and have since gone unbeaten in all competitions, with no domestic defeat to show for it.

Those results have left them top of the Scottish Premiership, 12 points clear of a resurgent Rangers side in second, and they have already beaten their Old Firm rivals on penalties in the Scottish League Cup final to secure their first silverware of the season.

Brendan Rodgers' side dropped points for only the second time this season when they were held to a goalless draw by Dundee United in the cup final, but they have since returned to winning ways with a 4-0 thrashing of Motherwell on Boxing Day.

Now, as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and maintain their impressive unbeaten league record, Celtic will take on a St Johnstone side who are bottom of the table.

The Saints have narrowly avoided the drop in each of the last three years, winning the relegation play-off in 2021-22, finishing ninth in 2022-23 and 10th in 2023-24.

This season, they are once again fighting for their lives and, after four wins, two draws and 13 defeats, they sit a disappointing 14 points from 19 games, four points adrift of 10th-placed Ross County.

Craig Levein began the season in charge, but was sacked in mid-September after a poor start to the campaign, and the arrival of Simo Valakari has done little to improve St Johnstone's form.

The new boss managed just three wins, one draw and eight defeats in his first 12 games in charge, and they go into this game without a win in their last five.

They will be hoping to end that run with an upset win over the league leaders, but history suggests that Celtic will win this one comfortably, with the Bhoys having avoided defeat in each of the last 30 meetings.

Recent Performance

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:WWWWDW

Celtic form (all competitions):WWDDDW

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:WLDLLL

Team News

Celtic will be without the services of James Forrest (foot) and Odin Thiago Holm (calf) for the game, with neither expected to return from their respective injuries until next month.

While the Bhoys enjoyed a commanding 4-0 win in their last outing, Rodgers may decide to rotate his side with a number of fixtures coming up in the coming weeks, meaning the likes of Alex Valle, Luke McCowan and Luis Palma could start.

For the visitors, Cameron MacPherson (hip), Sam McClelland (Achilles) and Uche Ikpeazu will all be out until the New Year with injury.

Mackenzie Kirk has been in fine form for St Johnstone in recent games, scoring four goals in his last six appearances, and he is certain to start in attack.

Possible starting lineup

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Ralston, Welsh, Scales, Valle; Hatate, McGregor, McCowan; Palma, Idah, Maeda

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Rae; Sanders, Mikulic, Cameron; Keltjens, Wright, Spranger, Carey, Holt; Kirk, Mbunga-Kimpioka