Celtic will aim to make it 18 games unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership as they welcome basement club St Johnstone to Celtic Park this weekend (Kick-off at 3pm).
The Scottish champions responded to their 0-0 draw against Dundee United last weekend by taking down Motherwell 4-0 on boxing day, thanks to goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate, with Brendan Rodgers’ side holding a commanding 12-point lead over second-placed Rangers.
At the opposite end of the table is Simo Valakari’s visiting St Johnstone, who arrive in Glasgow in a desperate need for points after their 2-1 home defeat to Dundee United. Despite taking a first-half lead, the Perthshire outfit made it 13 points lost from winning positions this season after early second-half goals from Glenn Middleton and Sam Dalby. They are now bottom of the table following a run of just one win in nine games.
Both sides enter the game with a number of injuries concerns, with Celtic still uncertain of the availability of one key player, with a couple of others set to miss out with longer term issues. St Johnstone could be without four first team players for the game, though they have been boosted by the recent return of Lewis Neilson, Kyle Cameron and Nicky Clark.
Ahead of the clash at Celtic Park, The Scotsman brings you all the early team news:
5. Auston Trusty - Celtic - AVAILABLE
Missed the game against Dundee United with illness, but was well enough to take a place on the bench against Motherwell on boxing day. Available to be called upon, if required. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. Cammy MacPherson - St Johnstone - DOUBT
May still not be ready to return against Celtic due to a long-term a hip problem, but is reported to be edging closer to a return. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Odin Thiago Holm - Celtic - OUT
The fringe player remains out with a calf injury for the champions. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Sam McClelland - St Johnstone - OUT
The Derry-born defender is out of the game at Celtic Park as he works his way back to fitness from an Achilles injury. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group