Celtic vs St Mirren predictions for this Scottish Premiership clash. Celtic faces a tough title defence in the SPFL Premiership but can secure their crown by winning their last five matches, starting against St Mirren at home. Read on for our free Scottish Premiership predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 30 – Apr 13, 2024 at 3:00pm UK time at Celtic Park
Celtic vs St Mirren Predictions
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The Title Tilt: Celtic’s Crucial Clash at Parkhead
Key Stats
– Celtic’s Possession: Averaging over 69% possession, they control games and create numerous chances.
– Goals Scored: Celtic have scored 77 goals this season, showing their threat upfront.
– St Mirren’s Resilience: Despite their lower league position, they have been tough to beat and have scored in their last six matches, indicating they can challenge Celtic’s defence.
In the upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture, Celtic faces a crucial test against St Mirren as they aim to solidify their grip on the league title. With just five games remaining and a slim lead at the top, every match becomes a potential title decider for Celtic, who have shown resilience and attacking prowess throughout the season. St Mirren, secure in the top six and still eyeing a European spot, are not a side to be underestimated, having demonstrated their capability to disrupt the plans of top teams.
Tactical Setup and Expected Lineups
Celtic, under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, have adopted an assertive and fluid attacking style, dominating possession and utilising the pace and skill of their wingers. Expected to start are:
- Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
- Defence: Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor
- Midfield: Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley
- Attack: Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota
This lineup suggests Celtic will continue to exploit their width and pace, with Abada and Jota providing the width and Furuhashi’s movement troubling defenders.
St Mirren, managed by Stephen Robinson, typically set up in a compact and disciplined formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Their likely lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Jak Alnwick
- Defence: Charles Dunne, Conor McCarthy, Joe Shaughnessy
- Midfield: Ethan Erhahon, Jamie McGrath
- Attack: Alex Greive, Curtis Main, Connor Ronan
Robinson’s side will aim to be compact and frustrate Celtic, hoping to exploit any spaces left by the home side’s attacking setup.
Key Tactical Battles and Areas to Watch
The midfield battle will be crucial, with St Mirren needing to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and prevent the likes of McGregor and O’Riley from dictating play. St Mirren’s McGrath and Erhahon will have their work cut out in containing Celtic’s dynamic midfield and will need to be at their best both defensively and in launching counter-attacks.
Another area to watch is the wide battles. Celtic’s wingers, Jota and Abada, are key to their attacking threat, and their matchups against St Mirren’s full-backs could be where this game is won or lost. St Mirren will need to limit the supply to these players and be wary of their ability to cut inside or go down the line.
Predictions Based on Tactical Analysis
Best Bet: Celtic to Win and Both Teams to Score
Considering Celtic’s formidable attacking form and St Mirren’s resilience, the best bet appears to be a Celtic win with both teams scoring. Celtic’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in high-pressure games, and St Mirren has enough about them to exploit this, likely getting on the scoreboard.
Correct Score Prediction: Celtic 3-1 St Mirren
A 3-1 victory for Celtic would reflect their attacking strengths and the occasional defensive lapse. St Mirren are capable of finding the net, but Celtic’s pressing and possession game at Parkhead should ultimately prove too much for the visitors.
Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi
Furuhashi’s movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat. His knack for being in the right place at the right time, combined with St Mirren’s occasionally disorganised backline, make him a prime candidate to score in this fixture.
First Team to Score: Celtic
Given their aggressive start in games, especially at home, Celtic are likely to score first. Their ability to control the game from midfield and quickly transition into attack should see them open the scoring early.
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