St Johnstone vs Celtic predictions for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash at McDiarmid Park. The home team presently finds themselves in the relegation zone, with just one point separating them from the bottom of the table, intensifying the pressure on this upcoming match. Read on for our free SPL predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 3rd December at 12:00 pm In:
St Johnstone vs Celtic Predictions
[wptb id="395340" not found ]Celtic’s Resolve vs St Johnstone’s Resilience: A Tactical Tussle in Perth
Key Stats
– St Johnstone’s defensive woes: Just 3 clean sheets this season.
– Turnbull’s scoring form: Scored in his last four Premiership games.
As league leaders Celtic prepare to face relegation-threatened St Johnstone, the clash represents not just a battle of points but also a tactical confrontation.
Strategic Contrast:
St Johnstone, under Craig Levein’s pragmatic approach, has shown signs of defensive consolidation, evidenced by their recent performances. Their challenge is to break down Celtic’s robust defensive setup, which has conceded just eight goals this season. The Saints’ struggle in the attacking third, with only eight goals scored so far, poses a significant concern against such a formidable defence.
Celtic, on the other hand, is a behemoth offensively, leading the scoring charts with 35 goals. Their blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess under Brendan Rodgers makes them formidable opponents. However, their recent Champions League defeat and a goalless draw against St Johnstone earlier this season suggest vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
BEST VALUE BET £20 Returns £33   Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change |
Best Value Bet Rationale
Firstly, Furuhashi has been a consistent threat in front of goal this season, as evidenced by his six goals in 14 appearances, showcasing a strong goal-scoring frequency. His role as a central figure in Celtic’s attack positions him well to exploit St Johnstone’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly given the hosts’ position in the relegation zone and their struggle to contain opposing attacks.
Moreover, Celtic’s attacking prowess has been evident throughout the season, leading the Scottish Premiership in goals scored. They have been effective both from inside the box, where Furuhashi excels, and in creating big chances, which increases the likelihood of Furuhashi finding scoring opportunities.
Additionally, St Johnstone’s defensive record, conceding 19 goals in 13 matches, paints a picture of a team that could be susceptible to Celtic’s high-powered offence. With Celtic’s style of play focusing on aggressive, forward-moving football, it creates an environment ripe for a striker of Furuhashi’s calibre to find the net.
In conclusion, Furuhashi’s scoring ability, combined with Celtic’s offensive form and St Johnstone’s defensive struggles, makes this bet a valuable proposition. His presence in key attacking positions and Celtic’s tendency to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities align well for a potential Furuhashi goal in this fixture.
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Key Player Battles:
The tussle between St Johnstone’s Stevie May and Celtic’s defensive duo, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales, will be crucial. Additionally, the midfield battle, particularly between St Johnstone’s Maksym Kucheriavyi and Celtic’s dynamic Matt O’Riley, will be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo.
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Tactical Dynamics and Improvement Suggestions:
St Johnstone must enhance their offensive creativity to disrupt Celtic’s defence. Utilising wide areas and quick transitions could be key, but they must be wary of Celtic’s counter-attacking threat. For Celtic, maintaining defensive concentration against a potentially desperate St Johnstone attack will be essential. Their midfield dominance will be crucial in dictating the play and creating scoring opportunities.
Managerial Duel:
Levein’s defensive astuteness is commendable, but his team needs more attacking flair. Rodgers’ team shows a blend of tactical flexibility and resilience, but he must guard against complacency, especially in matches perceived as less challenging.
Predicted Gameplay:
Celtic is expected to control the match, with St Johnstone focusing on a compact defensive structure. The game may be decided in midfield, with Celtic’s superior ball control and ability to create chances from the flanks being key.
Predictions:
- Match Outcome – Celtic to Win:
- Rationale: Celtic’s form this season has been nothing short of dominant. With an impressive track record of victories and a significant gap at the Premiership’s summit, their confidence is sky-high. Contrastingly, St Johnstone languishes near the relegation zone, struggling for form and consistency. Celtic’s superior squad depth, coupled with their tactical versatility under Brendan Rodgers, gives them a clear edge. Moreover, St Johnstone’s struggle to find the net regularly will likely hinder their ability to upset Celtic’s defensive stronghold.
- Correct Score – 2-0 to Celtic:
- Rationale: This prediction is based on Celtic’s robust defence, which has been one of the best in the league, conceding only eight goals so far. Offensively, they’ve been prolific, but St Johnstone’s recent defensive improvements suggest they might not be overrun. A 2-0 scoreline reflects a balance between Celtic’s attacking prowess and St Johnstone’s resilience at the back. Additionally, Celtic’s ability to control games and create scoring opportunities against defensively oriented teams supports this predicted scoreline.
- Goalscorer Prediction – David Turnbull:
- Rationale: David Turnbull’s form has been exemplary, with goals in his last four Premiership appearances. His role in Celtic’s attacking setup, particularly in set-piece situations, makes him a prime candidate to find the back of the net. Considering St Johnstone’s defensive vulnerabilities and Turnbull’s proficiency in front of goal, he stands a good chance of continuing his scoring run.
- Corner Prediction – Over 9 Corners:
- Rationale: Celtic’s attacking style, characterised by width and crossing, naturally leads to a higher number of corner situations. Their inclination to press high and force opponents into defensive actions in their own third also contributes to this. St Johnstone, likely to adopt a defensive stance, will be clearing balls more frequently, leading to corners. This prediction also considers both teams’ recent games, where the number of corners awarded has generally been high, indicating a similar trend could continue in this fixture.
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