Celtic Prediction: Probable Hoops XI to face St. Mirren in the Premiership
Celtic romped home to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, thanks to goals from Christopher Jullien and Odsonne Edouard.
The Hoops are currently five points clear of arch-rivals Rangers atop the league standings and Neil Lennon’s side will once again be the outright favourites to come away with all three points when they make the trip to the Paisley Stadium to face St. Mirren on Boxing Day.
The reigning champions beat St. Mirren 2-0 back in October and Jim Goodwin’s side could once again have their work cut out in halting Celtic’s juggernaut on Thursday.
Team News
Ryan Christie returned to action against Aberdeen but Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jonny Hayes continue to be on the sidelines and are doubtful to make the Boxing Day trip to Paisley.
Hatem Abd Elhamed (groin) and Jozo Simunovic (knee) are long-term absentees for the Hoops.
Celtic prediction: Probable XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Fraser Forster (GK)
The Southampton loanee has established himself as the undisputed No.1 between the sticks for Celtic this season and he is expected to retain his place.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB)
The former Man City starlet has earned plaudits for a string of top-drawer performances for the Hoops this season and he should once again get a start against St. Mirren in the absence of Elhamed.
Christopher Jullien (CB)
The Frenchman has been a standout performer at the back for Celtic this season and he is pretty much guaranteed a start on Boxing Day.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The Norwegian starlet has put in several solid shifts at the heart of the defence for Neil Lennon’s side this term and should find himself in the playing eleven once again.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo (LB)
The Belgian showed his quality at both ends of the pitch in the 2-1 victory over Aberdeen and he has been the first-choice left-back for the Hoops so far this season.
Callum McGregor (CM)
The homegrown star wasn’t really at his sparkling best against Aberdeen but he continues to be a key cog in Celtic’s midfield.
Scott Brown (CDM)
The veteran skipper still looks as solid as a rock in the middle of the park at the age of 34 and there is no way he is going to miss out on a starting place against St. Mirren on Boxing Day.
Ryan Christie (RW)
The influential playmaker has already racked up an impressive tally of goals and assists this season and Celtic will once again rely on his creativity to overcome St. Mirren away from home.
Mikey Johnston (LW)
The youngster looked lively after coming off the bench against Aberdeen and he deserves a start in place of James Forrest, who has looked a bit tired in recent fixtures.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
The Australian has featured sporadically for Celtic this season but he could be set for a start against St. Mirren in place of Ntcham, who has been quite below-par in the last two games.
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- Why Celtic should keep hold of Olivier Ntcham amidst interest
- Why Celtic should go all out to sign Fraser Forster permanently
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
The Frenchman continues to Celtic’s key goal threat up top and he must once again fire on all cylinders on Thursday.
