Celtic predicted XI vs St Johnstone: Squad rotation breeds full debut chance as Yang replacement identified
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his side in Perth
Celtic will face St Johnstone under the Perth lights on Wednesday night as they seek to maintain their flawless record in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops arguably were dealt their toughest test of the campaign so far against St Mirren last weekend, but escaped Paisley with a 2-1 win despite going a goal down. Manager Martin O’Neill now has another away game to prepare for against the other ‘Saints’ - who go into the match off the back of an impressive win of their own at the weekend against Hibs.
Celtic will be without winger Yang-Hyun-jun for the next four games - starting with St Johnstone - as he’s joined up with the South Korean National Team for the Asian games. Elsewhere, the Hoops have been handed a double injury boost in that defender Kieran Tierney and striker Kasper Hogh have returned to training, but with an intense fixture schedule ahead, O’Neill must proceed with caution in managing their minutes. After Wednesday night Celtic face Rangers at Ibrox this weekend, before successive home clashes against Ferencvaros then Rangers again. With that in mind, here’s how we think they’ll set up against St Johnstone, using the 4-3-3 formation:
GK - Viljami Sinisalo
The addition of Wolves loanee Sam Johnstone will provide competition for places between the sticks - but the Finn has done nothing so far to lose his place.
RB - Colby Donovan
Academy graduate has proved a capable replacement for the injured Alistair Johnston. After Anthony Ralston was left out of the squad against St Mirren, new boy Jordan Lotomba now could be his biggest threat going forward.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers
The dependable central defender will be a huge player for Celtic in the weeks ahead. With his unfortunate fitness record, minutes will have to be managed but he should start in Perth.
CB - Auston Trusty
He’s started in seven of Celtic’s eight games so far and with Liam Scales moved over to left back in recent weeks to cover Tierney, there are few other central defence options.
LB - Liam Scales
The Irishman went from villain to hero on Saturday after giving away a penalty then scoring a header. No point risking starting Tierney for this one.
CM - Callum McGregor
The captain scored the opener in a 5-0 win at Hampden the last time the sides met in the 2024/25 Scottish Cup semi-final. Nailed on.
CM - Oliver Sorenson
A lapse in concentration in possession gave the Parma loanee an early scare against St Mirren after coming on as a substitute. As O’Neill has an opportunity to rotate, why not see what he can do from the start?
AM - Benjamin Nygren
Six goal contributions in five league games tells you everything you need to know about the Swede - who has picked up from where he left off last season.
RW - Haissem Hassan
One who has slightly divided opinion among the Celtic support so far. But one thing everyone can agree on is that his direct pace is frightening.
LW - Sebastian Tounekti
Not at his best of late, but in Yang’s absence he’ll be tasked with stepping up to the plate. Set for what would be first start in five.
ST - Camilo Duran
The hitman is enjoying his new role through the middle with Hogh out of the picture. Now that the Dane is returning to fitness, it will be interesting to see whether he stays there or not long term.
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