Celtic vs St Mirren predictions for their Scottish Premiership clash. Celtic will receive a warm welcome for their trophy presentation against St Mirren after clinching the league midweek. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 34 – May 18, 2024 at 12:30pm UK at Parkhead
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Celtic vs St Mirren Predictions
Celtic vs St Mirren: Champions Aim to End Season on a High
Key Stats
– Celtic have scored an average of 2.5 goals per game this season, highlighting their attacking dominance.
– St Mirren have secured their first European qualification in 37 years, marking a successful season.
– Matt O’Riley has scored 17 goals this season, underlining his critical role in Celtic’s midfield.
In the final match of the Scottish Premiership season, Celtic welcome St Mirren to Celtic Park, fresh off their league-winning performance. With the title already secured and a Scottish Cup final against Rangers looming, Brendan Rodgers might opt to rest key players. St Mirren, on the other hand, aim to end their season on a high note and celebrate their first European qualification in 37 years.
Expected Lineups
Celtic:
- Goalkeeper: Hart
- Defenders: Ralston, Welsh, Scales, Taylor
- Midfielders: Bernardo, O’Riley, Hatate
- Forwards: Palma, Idah, Kuhn
St Mirren:
- Goalkeeper: Hemming
- Defenders: Bolton, Gogic, Taylor, Brown, Tanser
- Midfielders: O’Hara, Baccus
- Forwards: McMenamin, Scott, Mandron
Rodgers is likely to rotate his squad to preserve fitness for the upcoming cup final. This means opportunities for younger players and those on the fringes to showcase their abilities. St Mirren will field their strongest possible lineup as they aim to challenge the champions and cap off their successful season.
Team Analysis
Celtic: Celtic have dominated the league, scoring 92 goals in 37 matches, reflecting their offensive strength. They boast a well-balanced attack, with contributions from various players. Matt O’Riley has been exceptional, scoring 17 goals and providing creative impetus from midfield. Defensively, Celtic have been solid, conceding only 28 goals and maintaining 15 clean sheets. Their ball possession stats (69.1%) highlight their ability to control games and dictate play.
St Mirren: St Mirren have had a commendable season, securing European qualification. They have scored 44 goals and conceded 49, indicating a need for defensive improvements. Mikael Mandron has been their standout player, scoring 11 goals, and he will be key to their attacking efforts. St Mirren’s lower possession stats (45.8%) suggest they might adopt a counter-attacking approach against Celtic, relying on quick transitions and set-pieces to create chances.
Key Matchups
Matt O’Riley vs Mark O’Hara: O’Riley, Celtic’s creative force, will be pivotal in breaking down St Mirren’s defence. O’Hara, a central figure for St Mirren, will need to disrupt O’Riley’s influence and prevent him from dictating play.
Mikael Mandron vs Liam Scales: Mandron’s goal-scoring prowess poses a significant threat to Celtic’s defence. Scales will have to be alert and physical to contain Mandron’s movements and prevent him from finding the net.
Gameplay Predictions
The match is expected to be a celebratory affair for Celtic, but St Mirren will not make it easy. Celtic will likely dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities through their fluid attacking play. Their depth in squad means even with rotation, they possess enough quality to control the game.
St Mirren, given their defensive vulnerabilities, might adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on hitting Celtic on the counter. They will look to exploit any gaps left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs and utilise Mandron’s physical presence in the box.
Strategic Insights
Celtic:
- Strengths: High-scoring offence, strong midfield control, and solid defensive structure.
- Weaknesses: Potential complacency due to secured title, possible rotation affecting cohesion.
St Mirren:
- Strengths: Effective counter-attacks, resilience, and Mandron’s goal-scoring ability.
- Weaknesses: Defensive frailties, less possession control, and reliance on Mandron for goals.
Managerial Analysis: Brendan Rodgers has masterfully guided Celtic to another title, but his decision to rotate the squad could impact the game’s flow. His tactical acumen will be tested to maintain balance while avoiding injuries before the cup final. On the other hand, St Mirren’s manager, Stephen Robinson, has achieved remarkable success with European qualification. However, his side’s record against top teams, especially Celtic, needs improvement.
Expected Goals Analysis
Celtic’s impressive average of 2.5 goals per game indicates their attacking dominance. In contrast, St Mirren average 1.2 goals per game, highlighting their struggle to score consistently. Defensively, Celtic concede 0.8 goals per game, while St Mirren allow 1.3 goals per game. These stats suggest a likely victory for Celtic, with potential goals from both sides.
Predictions
Best Bet: Celtic to Win and Both Teams to Score
Considering Celtic’s dominance in the league this season, their superior offensive capabilities make them favourites to win this match. However, with the title already secured and the Scottish Cup final approaching, Brendan Rodgers is likely to rotate his squad, which might impact their defensive solidity. This rotation opens the door for St Mirren to find the back of the net, especially given Mikael Mandron’s form and the fact that St Mirren have been successful in scoring against other top teams recently.
Celtic have scored an impressive 92 goals in 37 matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game. Their ability to create and convert chances from various positions on the field is unmatched in the league. On the defensive side, Celtic have conceded only 28 goals, yet the expected changes to their lineup might weaken their backline. St Mirren, while not as prolific, have scored 44 goals this season and will be motivated to put in a strong performance against the champions.
Given these factors, a bet on Celtic to win while both teams score offers value. Celtic’s attacking prowess should see them net multiple goals, but their potential defensive rotations make it likely that St Mirren will also score.
Correct Score Prediction: Celtic to Win 3-1
Taking into account Celtic’s scoring average and the likely squad rotations, a 3-1 victory for the home side seems a plausible outcome. Celtic’s offence, spearheaded by in-form players like Matt O’Riley, is expected to dominate, but the changes in their defensive lineup could lead to a lapse, allowing St Mirren to score.
Celtic’s 2.5 goals per game average underlines their attacking efficiency. With players like O’Riley and Palma creating and finishing chances, they are likely to breach St Mirren’s defence multiple times. On the other hand, St Mirren, although defensively vulnerable, have shown resilience and the ability to capitalise on opportunities, particularly through Mandron, who has scored 11 goals this season. This suggests they are capable of scoring at least once against a potentially weakened Celtic defence.
Thus, predicting a 3-1 win for Celtic aligns with their superior goal-scoring record and the probable defensive adjustments ahead of their crucial cup final.
Goalscorer Prediction: Matt O’Riley to Score Anytime
Matt O’Riley has been in sensational form for Celtic, making him a standout candidate to score in this match. O’Riley has netted 17 goals this season, underlining his importance to Celtic’s attacking play. His role in midfield allows him to be at the heart of most offensive moves, and his knack for finding scoring positions makes him a constant threat.
O’Riley’s recent performances have been particularly impressive. He scored against Rangers and followed it up with a brace against Kilmarnock, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments. With the likelihood of Celtic resting some key players, O’Riley’s involvement becomes even more crucial as he will be relied upon to maintain their attacking tempo and creativity.
Considering St Mirren’s defensive record, which shows they have conceded 49 goals in 37 games, O’Riley’s chances of scoring are significantly high. His form and Celtic’s overall attacking strategy make him a strong bet to score anytime during the match.
First Half Result: Celtic to Lead at Half Time
Celtic’s tendency to start matches strongly is well documented, and this pattern is expected to continue against St Mirren. They often establish dominance early, leveraging their superior ball possession and high press to create scoring opportunities. Given their average possession rate of 69.1%, they are likely to control the game from the outset.
St Mirren, while resilient, have shown weaknesses in the early stages of matches, which Celtic can exploit. With a dynamic midfield and forwards capable of quick, decisive plays, Celtic are well-positioned to score early goals. In their recent matches, they have frequently taken the lead by half-time, reflecting their aggressive and efficient approach.
Rodgers’ team, despite potential rotations, possesses the depth to maintain high standards from the first whistle. Therefore, predicting Celtic to lead at half-time is supported by their consistent early-game performances and St Mirren’s occasional lapses in the opening periods.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 8.5
Celtic’s attacking style ensures they generate a high number of shots on target per game. Averaging 7.7 shots on target, their offensive strategy focuses on relentless pressure and frequent attempts on goal. Against a team like St Mirren, who have shown defensive vulnerabilities, Celtic are likely to exceed this average.
Given the context of this being the final game of the season at Celtic Park, and with the title celebrations, Celtic’s players will be motivated to put on a show. This motivation, combined with their natural attacking play, suggests they will test St Mirren’s goalkeeper repeatedly. Additionally, players who are given a chance to start due to rotations will be eager to impress, further increasing the likelihood of numerous shots on target.
Therefore, predicting over 8.5 total team shots on target for Celtic is a logical choice. Their offensive metrics, coupled with St Mirren’s defensive record, support this market as a valuable betting angle.
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