Celtic’s march to another Scottish Premiership title continues, this time with a trip to St. Johnstone in the offing.
Things are different below the Bhoys in the SPFL standings, as Aberdeen have overtaken Sevco on 43 points. It also means Celtic are 24 points clear of the Dons before this match even starts.
It is the second meeting between these two sides in just over a week, with the Bhoys getting a 1-0 win at Paradise thanks to a Dedryck Boyata header in the 72nd minute. Can Celtic better the margin of victory on the road?
A win at McDiamid Park and the Hoops will be 27 points clear and just about a month from wrapping up the title officially. That said, Brendan Rodgers and Co. have been really good about focusing on the here and now.
With injuries and plenty of juggling of lineups as of late, how will Celtic lineup for its trip to St. Johnstone? Let’s look at the official lineups.
Celtic Starting XI:
📋 Celtic team to play @St_Johnstone_FC this afternoon. #SPFL #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/SVjWnzOML5
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 5, 2017
Analysis:
Changes are afoot for Celtic as they head on the road. It starts at the back as Mikael Lustig and Eric Sviatchenko return to the Starting XI. The latter will pair with the red-hot Dedryck Boyata in the center of defense, with Jozo Simunovic left to the bench after three-straight starts.
Things continue to be fuzzy up top for the Bhoys, with neither Moussa Dembele or Leigh Griffiths featuring in the Starting XI. However, Demebele got good news this week and appears on the bench should he be needed.
It means more of Patrick Roberts featuring as the striker in this formation, but in an interesting move there appears to be more cover for attack on Celtic’s bench.
Speaking of the bench, there is one very interesting name to feature, as Nadir Ciftci sees his name put on the team sheet for the first time in a long time.
Changes to the Starting XI continue with Gordon Mackay-Steven preferred to Callum McGregor and Liam Henderson getting a rare start in place of James Forrest.
It appears that the succession of rapid matches here in the last two weeks has Rodgers looking to rotate through his squad and keep players fresh for the stretch run to the title.
Next: Deila Attempts to Take Some Credit for Celtic's Current Run
No doubt all eyes will be on the performances of Mackay-Steven and Henderson in the midfield, as Celtic have been winning matches with the play of the squad in that area.