Ange Postecoglou has named his side to face St Johnstone in today's Parkhead festive cracker against St Johnstone.
Celtic can give their fans an early present by restoring a nine point gap at the top of the league. Rivals Rangers reduced the deficit to six with a win the Highlands last night as Michael Beale made it three wins out of three. Postecoglou's men go into this looking for a hat-rick of victories since the end of the World Cup break. A vital win over Aberdeen last week followed up with a 2-1 midweek win over Livingston.
Despite continuing an impressive winning run, Postecoglou has demanded more from his side, with the Aussie manager firing at warning at stars that changes will be made after being left disappointed by the display against David Martindale's side. Postecoglou hit out at his side for conceding a soft goal after Nicky Devlin struck home, despite the Hoops being two goals to the good.
Today Postecoglou has kept his word making three changes from that last outing.
James Forrest comes back into the fold forming an attack with Kyogo and Maeda. Anthony Ralston misses out due to an injury picked up against Livingston. Mainstays Carter-Vickers and Starfelt remain the centre back pairing, with Greg Taylor out again on the left.
There is no place in the side for Perth goal hero Giorgos Giakoumakis who remains on the bench.
The Celtic boss warned his side will face a tough task against the Perth Saints today as he heaped praise on Saints boss Callum Davidson. Speaking ahead of the match, Postecoglou said: "Callum is an excellent coach and he has them well organised and well drilled. We know every time we play them it's a challenge, and it will be on Saturday."
"The thing about St Johnstone is they don’t really change their approach whether they play us or another side, there’s a consistency in their approach that means their players understand their roles really well.
“We need to be really disciplined in our approach play to make sure we can counteract that and gain the dominance we need to win the game.”
Celtic XI Hart, Taylor, Starfelt, Kyogo, Mooy, Carter-Vickers, O'RIley, Maeda, Hatate, McGregor, Forrest.
Subs: Siegrist, Jenz, Giakoumakis, Haksabanovic, Abada, Turnbull, Jota, Bernabei, Lawal
READ NEXT:
- Celtic starlet Bosun Lawal 'attracting' transfer interest from Brentford and Italian duo
- Ben Doak Celtic to Liverpool transfer insight as agent Jackie McNamara delivers inside track
- Celtic should sign 'no-nonsense' Moritz Jenz on permanent transfer claims Parkhead hero
