Celtic vs St Johnstone Predictions

Celtic vs St Johnstone Predictions for this Scottish Premiership fixture. Celtic host St Johnstone on Sunday, aiming for a straightforward victory amidst the festive fixtures. With both sides in Boxing Day action, the packed schedule adds intrigue to this weekend’s clash. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Dec 29, 2024 at 3.00pm UK at Parkhead

Celtic vs St Johnstone Predictions

Can St Johnstone Defy the Odds at Celtic Park?

• Celtic’s Home Fortress: Celtic have consistently dominated at Parkhead, highlighted by their recent 4-0 triumph against Motherwell. Their ability to maintain such standards against weaker sides is unmatched in the league.
• St Johnstone’s Dire Form: With seven defeats in their last nine games, including a 6-0 loss to Celtic earlier this season, the Saints are sinking fast and showing little sign of recovery.
• Engels’ Rising Influence: Arne Engels, after early struggles, has now scored five goals this season, including a composed penalty in the last match, proving his worth in Celtic’s relentless attacking system.

Our Tips

The festive period in Scottish football often delivers surprises, but few would wager on Sunday’s clash between Celtic and St Johnstone to stray from the script. Celtic, in commanding form, host a beleaguered St Johnstone side battling to escape the league’s basement. For the Hoops, it’s another opportunity to flex their muscles and maintain their 12-point lead atop the Scottish Premiership. For the Saints, it’s a daunting trip to one of the toughest grounds in the country.

Celtic have been relentless, as evidenced by their recent 4-0 dismantling of Motherwell. Even when they are not at their scintillating best, they find ways to dominate. On the flip side, St Johnstone are enduring a nightmare season, with a 2-1 loss to Dundee United further exacerbating their woes. Under new management, there are glimmers of improvement in style, but the results remain stubbornly bleak. Can the Saints muster anything to unsettle Celtic’s momentum, or is this simply another exercise in damage limitation?

Best Bet: Celtic to Win Both Halves

For those searching for a reliable punt, backing Celtic to win both halves stands out as the best bet. The reasoning is simple: this is a team adept at starting fast and sustaining pressure, especially against weaker opposition at home. Their comprehensive victory over Motherwell highlighted their ability to take control early and maintain dominance.

Celtic’s attack, led by the improving Arne Engels, offers consistent threats. Engels, despite early criticism, is finding his groove with five goals this season. His penalty against Motherwell showed his growing confidence and tactical importance. Furthermore, their midfield, anchored by Callum McGregor, ensures the Hoops dictate the tempo, rendering opponents like St Johnstone incapable of gaining a foothold.

On the defensive side, Celtic are formidable, having kept a clean sheet in their last outing and demonstrating a defensive solidity that matches their attacking prowess. The Saints, meanwhile, have been alarmingly porous, leaking goals at a rate that makes it nearly impossible to compete. Even the improved contributions of Mackenzie Kirk, who scored recently, are unlikely to trouble a Celtic defence marshalled by Cameron Carter-Vickers.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick summarised it perfectly: “Celtic at Parkhead are an unstoppable force for teams like St Johnstone. Backing them to win both halves at 11/10 isn’t just logical; it’s almost generous.” This bet reflects Celtic’s ability to seize control early, their penchant for maintaining that control, and the Saints’ glaring vulnerabilities.

Correct Score Prediction: Celtic 4-0 St Johnstone

Given the gulf in quality and form, a 4-0 victory for Celtic feels like a plausible prediction. This mirrors their recent success against Motherwell and aligns with their offensive and defensive metrics. St Johnstone’s fragility, combined with Celtic’s ability to exploit such weaknesses ruthlessly, makes this scoreline logical.

The Saints’ away form is woeful, and while Simo Valakari’s efforts to bring tactical discipline are noted, the personnel at his disposal appear ill-equipped to deal with Celtic’s relentless style. Furthermore, injuries and reliance on underperforming players compound their issues. Despite Kirk’s spirited performances, St Johnstone lack the collective quality to pose any serious threat. A heavy defeat appears inevitable.

The 4-0 prediction also dovetails with the best bet. If Celtic are expected to win both halves, a dominant scoreline like this is the natural extension of that reasoning.

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