Match Preview: Celtic begin title defence against St. Johnstone
By Mick Kane
Celtic FC open their 2019/20 league season on Saturday at home against St Johnstone.
It is a season of huge importance for Celtic FC as they begin their quest for a ninth league title in a row. If the feat is accomplished this team will join the famous Celtic team from the 1960/70’s era, as well as the rivals Rangers spell in the 90’s. St Johnstone will face the Hoops in their season opener this Saturday.
Saturday will see the traditional ‘Flag Day’ as the wives of two legendary players unfurl the League Champions flag at Celtic Park. Former captain, two-time manager and scorer of arguably the most important goal ever scored by a Celtic player, Billy McNeill, will have the honors. McNeill will be joined by Stevie Chalmers who sadly passed away near the end of last season. It is fitting that the two Lisbon Lions’ wives will be there to share a special moment with the Celtic family.
Celtic will host St Johnstone and it’s fair to say they haven’t enjoyed a good start to their season. The club was eliminated from the Betfred League Cup before the final section game. The Saints have suffered defeats against Montrose, Ross County and Forfar. Their only sectional win was a home 4-0 win against Brechin.
The Saints have added a couple of players to the squad, most notably Madis Vihmann on loan from FC Flora, however the bulk of the squad will remain unchanged from last season. The Perth side manager, Tommy Wright, always has his side well prepared. The past two seasons has seen the club dip out of the top six where they had finished the previous six seasons before that. A return to the top six finish will be their main objective this season.
Celtic FC return to domestic league action having qualified for the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualification stages. The Hoops have looked sharp, especially in the 7-0 aggregate win over Estonian champions Nomme Kalju. With an eye on next week’s Champions League match against CFR Cluj in Romania, Celtic boss Neil Lennon may be tempted to leave some of his established stars on the bench to keep them fresh for next week. On Tuesday night, a host of changes were made to the team which went on to win 2-0 in Estonia and a similar team line up may start on Saturday.
One player who won’t be playing is new signing Christopher Jullien who has carried over a suspension from his final game in France Ligue 1. In an interview with Gavin Berry of the Daily Record, Jullien said, “I received a yellow card in the last game of Ligue 1. I didn’t realise it would follow me to Scotland but I have to accept I will miss the St Johnstone game.
“I don’t even remember what the booking was for but I know the final game was mea
ningless, so it’s sad.”
Also Read. Christopher Jullien looks like a solid signing in Celtic debut. light
His partner in the centre of defence last Tuesday Jozo Simunovic will also miss out due to suspension. Expect Kris Ajer to return and possibly a debut for recent recruit Hatem Abd Elhamed.
With one eye on the Champions League game next week, this game might prove to be a bit trickier than should be expected. Celtic should have too much for the men from Perth though and win 2-0.