CELTIC have the chance to go top of the table again this afternoon.
The reigning champions took a break from their pursuit of Rangers last weekend for the Scottish Cup quarter finals.
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And with a place at Hampden safely banked it’s back to league duty for Brendan Rodgers‘ injury-hit squad today.
This time it’s Liam Scales who is missing – along with captain Callum McGregor and winger Luis Palma – but Cameron Carter-Vickers returns in what looks like a straight swap for the Bhoys’ backline.
With the margin so tight at the top, that’s great news for the Hoops who could add a little pressure to Philippe Clement’s Gers side who play at Dundee tomorrow.
However Craig Levein stands in their path when he pitches up in the east end of Glasgow – and he has enjoyed some big results against Celtic in the past.
St Johnstone have picked up form under his leadership but they must keep winning if they hope to sneak into the top six, which is still mathematically possible.
They’re also keeping an eye on what goes on below with Aberdeen a point behind in 10th.
Here’s how you can keep up with all the Parkhead action this weekend…
What time does Celtic v St Johnstone kick off?
- Celtic host St Johnstone TODAY (Saturday) March 16, 2024.
- The match will be played at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
- Kick off is the traditional 3pm start
Will VAR be used? Who is the referee?
- Like all SPFL Premiership games this term, we’ll have additional ref support from Clydesdale House for this match
- Euan Anderson is the match ref, assisted by Calum Spence and Paul McAvinue.
- In the VAR studio, Chris Graham will be taking a second look at the big decisions alongside assistant David McGeachie.
- Lloyd Wilson is the fourth official.
What TV channel is Celtic v St Johnstone on? Can I live stream it?
- The match is not on UK time for live broadcast.
- Overseas subscribers can tune in on Celtic TV though and stream the game there.
- Highlights will be included amongst Sportscene coverage at 7.30pm on BBC Scotland and 11.15pm on BBC One tonight.
- That means they can also be streamed through BBC iPlayer.
Team news
Cameron Carter Vickers’ precautionary pull-out last week ahead of the Scottish Cup quarter final win over Livingston means he’s fresh and ready to step in against the Saints.
That’s good news for Brendan Rodgers who has lost Liam Scales this week.
But there is good news on the horizon too – Callum McGregor is set to regain the captain’s armband after the international break too.
And the long-awaited return of Reo Hatate is nearing too.
Craig Levein has picked up four points from the last six using the same starting XI – and he’d be unlikely to deviate too much from a successful plan, even for the trip to Celtic Park.
However Kerr Smith has picked up a hamstring injury and Dare Olufunwa is still on the sidelines with an ankle injury which gives the travelling Perth box some extra factors to consider for the big game
Match odds
Celtic 1/9
Draw 8/1
Read more on the Scottish Sun
St Johnstone 16/1
*odds from Ladbrokes and correct as at 9.30am on Saturday, March 16.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
