Last week’s Old Firm defeat to Rangers may have delayed the SPL party for Celtic, but they still go into Sunday’s game with St Johnstone holding a healthy 15-point advantage over their city rivals, meaning it is only a matter of time before they will be crowned champions.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon had been forced to angrily defend his players earlier this week following their loss at Rangers and a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the League Cup final drew stinging criticism from the media.
The defeat at Hampden brought to an end a unbeaten domestic run that stretched back 26 games, something to consider when deciding your bets on this fixture.
Lennon’s ire has also been directed towards referee Calum Murray, who sent him to the stands at Ibrox last weekend as well as dismissing Celtic duo Cha Du-ri and Victor Wanyama.
After being asked to explain his comments by the SFA, Lennon promptly skipped his pre-match press conference on Friday, wary of talking himself into more trouble.
That represents far from ideal preparation for the visit of the Saints and perhaps an outward sign that the pressure is starting to affect the previously unruffled Hoops boss.
Meanwhile, Steve Lomas’ men are enjoying a fine season and are well on course to secure European football after their win at Inverness in midweek lifted them three points clear of Dundee United in fourth place.
They go into the game having won four of their last five games – including the last three – and have yet to lose since February 11.
They are also the only Scottish team to have beaten Neil Lennon’s men at Celtic Park this season, a 1-0 win in Glasgow on August 21 thanks to a goal from defender Dave Mackay.
Their enticing odds of 15/2 therefore suddenly become a viable option. A repeat of last August’s 1-0 win also brings home tidy odds of 14/1.
To do so though would be dismissing the strength of Celtic’s recent domestic run. A poor start to the season saw them fall 12 points behind Rangers at one stage, but their resurgence in form has stretched through to the spring and they now stand on the brink of a 43rd SPL Championship.
They may just be four places apart in the table, but the gulf between the Old Firm is vast and for that reason I think Lennon’s men will raise their game on Sunday.
The odds of 1/3 for a home win will not really payout, so value could be found in the correct score market.
Celtic have conceded just six goals at home this season while St Johnstone have just let in 10 on the road, so goals look set to be a premium. My prediction therefore is for the narrowest of Celtic wins, with a 1-0 home victory priced at a more favourable 6/1.
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