Preview: St Mirren vs. Celtic - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at opposite ends of the SPL table will compete on Wednesday as second-placed Celtic will travel to face St Mirren, who sit just three points above the relegation zone.

The Hoops head into this match after winning the Scottish League Cup at the weekend; meanwhile, the hosts have failed to win in their previous nine matches.

Match preview

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Kyogo Furuhashi was the hero on Sunday as his second-half brace brought Celtic from behind to defeat Hibernian and claim the first available silverware of the season as they became the Scottish League Cup champions.

The victory was the seventh in a row for the squad, who have been dominant as of late, with the club now hoping to extend that run in order to maintain their pressure on Rangers at the top of the table.

Right now, there are seven points separating the Old Firm rivals, but with this being the game in hand for the Hoops, there is real importance on this fixture.

Ange Postecoglou's side have been dominant both offensively and defensively this season, with only Rangers scoring more goals, while no team have conceded fewer than them.

They have also been able to make Celtic Park a fortress throughout their campaign, having not lost at home throughout 2021-22, yet on the road, the squad have lost three times.

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The hosts will need a much-improved performance in order to have any hope of taking points on Wednesday as they are suffering from a nine-game run without a win.

The Buddies have only won a single game at home this season, which is not a positive situation ahead of this match, but adding a second victory in front of their fans against Celtic could turn their season around.

Joe Shaughnessy was able to score an 87th-minute goal last weekend during their most recent outing which did rescue a point for his team in a 1-1 draw against Hibernian.

However, Jim Goodwin's team have conceded 29 times this season, with only two squads in the league boasting a weaker record than them, and their defensive abilities will be tested against the Hoops.

They failed to stand up to their opponents when the two competed earlier this season as Celtic ended up winning 6-0 in a match St Mirren would rather forget.

With just three points separating them and the relegation zone right now, there is a lot on the line in this match as a defeat could see them slump down.

Team News

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Conor McCarthy is the only major injury concern for St Mirren heading into this match, with the central defender dealing with an ankle issue at the moment.

After being sent off during their most recent league game, Carl Starfelt will be unavailable for Celtic in this match due to suspension which will force a change in the backline for the team.

James Forrest was unable to return to the squad and David Turnbull ended up being added to the injury list at the weekend when he had to be replaced due to a hamstring issue.

However, the Hoops were boosted by Furuhashi being fit enough to play on Sunday which added a lot to the attacking options of the team and after scoring a brace in the final, he will be keen to add to his personal tally.

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Shaughnessy, Dunne, Fraser; Millar, Flynn, Power, Tanser; McGrath, Kiltie; Main

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Taylor, Scales, Carter-Vickers, Juranovic; McGregor, Johnston, Rogic, Abada, Bitton; Furuhashi

We say: St Mirren 0-3 Celtic

Celtic are enjoying a fantastic run at the moment and coming off a cup final victory, they should have no shortage of confidence and momentum right now.

With St Mirren struggling as of late, this should be a routine victory for the Hoops, who will be looking to place the pressure back on Rangers.

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