It’s a monumental day for both Celtic and St Johnstone, as they are both desperate for a favorable outcome, albeit for different reasons.
Craig Levein is keenly aware that a victory could shape St Johnstone’s season, yet the consequences of anything less than three points for the reigning champions at home would be catastrophic. While Celtic welcomes back Cameron Carter-Vickers, they will be without Liam Scales due to injury. Yang Hyun-jun serves the last match of his suspension, while Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Maik Nawrocki, and Luis Palma are sidelined once again.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone’s Kerr Smith has departed for Aston Villa due to an injury, adding to the list of absentees which includes Ali Crawford, Drey Wright, Ross Sinclair, and Cammy MacPherson. Rodgers is facing a shortage of options in defense, midfield, and on the wings, but he does have a choice between three central strikers in Oh, Adam Idah, and Kyogo. Although the Irishman has been a regular starter, Kyogo’s impactful performances off the bench and his recent goal against Livingston suggest he is ready to reclaim his starting position.
Here is the provisional Celtic squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Joe Hart
- Benjamin Siegrist
- Scott Bain
Defenders:
- Gustaf Lagerbielke
- Alistair Johnston
- Anthony Ralston
- Stephen Welsh
- Greg Taylor
- Cameron Carter Vickers
Midfielders:
- Tomoki Iwata
- Matt O’Riley
- Odin Holm
- Paulo Bernardo
- Daniel Kelly
Forwards:
- Kyogo Furuhashi
- James Forrest
- Nicolas Kuhn
- Rocco Vata
- Adam Idah
- Oh
