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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Anthony Evans

Predicted Celtic XI to face St Mirren as Hoops look to bounce back from Rangers defeat at Ibrox

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou may opt to shuffle his deck for Saturday's home clash with St Mirren, as the Australian searches for the perfect response to last weekend's disappointing 3-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

The Hoops were second best in every department, and found themselves a goal down within five minutes when Todd Cantwell pounced on a rebound to put the Light Blues in front.

John Souttar added a second 10 minutes before half-time, and then Fashion Sakala Jr rounded off the scoring with 20 minutes remaining. It was a bad day at the office all round for the champions, and Postecoglou was quick to make his feelings known about the performance after the game.

The former Yokoahama F. Marinos boss is a perfectionist, and will be desperate to see his side get back to their best against the Buddies on Saturday afternoon with the Scottish Cup Final and the chance at a domestic Treble on the horizon.

READ MORE: Inside Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou's luxury £1.6m Melbourne mansion up for sale

Celtic have three league fixtures to contend with before they take on Inverness in the Hampden final, and although they can no longer eclipse the Premiership points tally of 106 set by Brendan Rodgers in 2017, will want to finish the league season with aplomb.

Key defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are still unavailable, but the Bhoys could welcome back Greg Taylor into their back line.

Anthony Ralston is set to continue at right back on the opposite flank, with Carl Starfelt partnered by Yuki Kobayashi, who made just his third Celtic start at Ibrox last Saturday.

Despite their struggles against Rangers, Celtic are likely to retain the same three man midfield of skipper Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley, although playmaker Aaron Mooy could make a return.

Postecoglou could also recall top goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi through the middle, with Daizen Maeda also in contention for a starting berth opposite Jota on the other flank.

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