Celtic v St. Johnstone Preview And Predictions - Scottish League Cup Semi-Final
Welcome Offer banners Welcome Offer banners

Celtic v St. Johnstone Preview And Predictions - Scottish League Cup Semi-Final

Celtic will sense an opening in their league battle with Rangers after the latter saw Steven Gerrard and his backroom staff depart for Aston Villa, but will first have to turn their attention to domestic cup duties. A place in the final is up for grabs, most likely against their Old Firm rivals, but it’s hard to see an upset even if St. Johnstone are the defending champions in this competition. Check out our preview and predictions below, and if playing online casino is your choice of entertainment, head over to Genting Casino and enjoy our premium experience with over 3000 of your favourite online slots and live casino table games available on any device.


PLAY ONLINE CASINO HERE 


Recent Form

Celtic head into this fixture having won seven of eight unbeaten games in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over St. Johnstone themselves. 

They scored twice at a minimum in each of those victories as the blank they drew in a goalless stalemate with Livingston very much looks like a one-off performance. 

Summer signings Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota and Liel Abada have formed a potent front three, as Ange Postecoglou need have no concerns over his side’s threat in the final third.

Tom Rogic could also potentially return for this fixture, though should the Australian miss out, the likes of Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Nir Bitton and James McCarthy leave plenty of options in the middle of the park. 

Centre-back Carl Starfelt looks set to miss out again however, which could pose a slight problem with Christopher Jullien a long-term absentee and Stephen Welsh picking up a knock as Scotland’s U21 team lost to Belgium on Wednesday.




Celtic -1 Handicap

Welsh started Celtic’s last two games in the absence of Starfelt, though Celtic conceded twice against both Ferencvaros and Dundee despite winning both games. 

They had let just the single goal past them across their previous five outings as the Postecoglou’s preferred pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Starfelt started on each occasion.

That same international encounter has also handed a problem to Callum Davidson however, with Glenn Middleton suffering a hamstring strain. 

The attack is further weakened with Stevie May ruled out until Christmas with a knee injury, though Chris Kane will be available after his sending off last time out against St. Mirren with the suspension only applying to league action.

Celtic have won 12 of 13 unbeaten clashes with St. Johnstone since 2018/19, registering clean sheets in all but one of those victories. 

They may have a problem at centre-back, but St. Johnstone have their own issues in attack and are the lowest scoring top-flight side this term with just eight goals from 13 league games. 

In all competitions, the Saints have failed to score in five of their last six defeats, while 11 of Celtic’s past 13 domestic victories since April have seen them win by at least two clear goals as their attack looks set to cover for any defensive deficiencies.

PREDICTION:

CELTIC -1 HANDICAP


PLAY ONLINE CASINO HERE


18+BeGambleAware

GENTING CASINO ONLY OFFERS SPORTS ARTICLES AND NOT SPORTS BETTING

V: 1.38.0 All rights reserved. August 2021
top
|