Preview: Celtic vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

Livingston will travel to face Celtic on Saturday as they look to continue their three-game unbeaten streak and attempt to push away from the relegation zone.

However, the Hoops are closing in on Rangers and could potentially finish the weekend as league leaders if they can extend their current winning run to six matches.

Match preview

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After a rocky start to the season, consistency has proven to be the key for Celtic, who have now risen to second place in the league after an impressive run of form.

The Hoops have won their last five matches in all competitions which instantly put them back into the title race, sitting just two points behind their Old Firm rivals.

A victory on Saturday could see them take the top spot if the Gers are unable to win and that will certainly provide the squad with plenty of motivation in front of their fans.

Celtic have been ruthless in attack this season, scoring 26 goals in the league, which is more than any other team and that was on full display in midweek.

Ange Postecoglou's team travelled to face Hibernian on Wednesday where goals from Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyogo Furuhashi helped secure a 3-1 win, with all three taking place before the first half was over.

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However, the visitors are also in good form at the moment, despite the fact they are at the opposite end of the table right now, sitting just four points above the relegation zone.

Livingston have been undefeated since the Scottish Premiership returned from the October international break, defeating both St Johnstone and Ross County.

On Wednesday night the Lions were held to a 1-1 draw when they faced Dundee United despite the fact they took the lead in the 36th minute courtesy of a Nicky Clark own goal.

However, David Martindale will have been pleased with the defensive performance of his team considering the fact they had to play the entire second half with 10 men due to Ben Williamson's red card at the end of the first half.

The two teams have already met this season and on that day it was Livingston who took all three points with Andrew Shinnie's goal being enough to separate them, which is something that the Lions would be pleased to repeat on Saturday.

Team News

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Celtic were handed an injury problem during the recent victory over Hibernian as Tom Rogic had to be replaced due to a hamstring issue that is set to rule him out of this fixture.

Greg Taylor recently underwent surgery for his shoulder problem which is going to make him unavailable for the rest of the year, meaning Josip Juranovic is sure to continue starting at left-back.

Livingston will be without Williamson as he starts to serve his suspension after being sent off in midweek and this should provide an opportunity for Keaghan Jacobs to slot into the midfield.

The Lions continued to be without Shinnie on Wednesday, but Bruce Anderson will likely continue leading the line for the club in his absence.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Juranovic, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Ralston; Turnbull, McGregor, Bitton; Johnston, Jota, Furuhashi

Livingston possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Kelly; Jacobs, Holt; Bailey, Forrest, Pittman; Anderson

We say: Celtic 2-1 Livingston

Even though Livingston are in strong form and already have a win against the Hoops to their name, this particular fixture is likely going to be a tough one.

Celtic have hit a purple patch as of late and their attacking qualities will likely prove to be too much on Saturday as they continue to push Rangers at the top of the league.

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