Champions Homecoming for Buddies Visit

Champions Homecoming for Buddies Visit
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


February: Reo Hatate scores against St Mirren in the 5-1 Scottish Cup win when the sides last met at Parkhead


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 20 May 2023
15.00 BST

The Celts return to Paradise this weekend for the first time since secured the Premiership title a fortnight ago against Hearts, and are sure to be met with a loud and warm welcome for the homecoming of the Champions.

Despite the disappointment of the performance and result last weekend, there will be plenty to celebrate for the fans and players alike, as well as for the players that are still looking to secure their places for next month's Scottish Cup Final.

St Mirren are one of only two sides to have gotten the better of Ange Postecoglou's Bhoys this season. Although it should be noted that the Celts have subsequently won each of the next 3 encounters - the last two both finishing in 5-1 scorelines - memories of that result should safeguard against any complacency for the Champions’ homecoming tomorrow.​

As for the visitors, Stephen Robinson’s side deserve recognition for what has been a credible League campaign, resulting in their first top half finish since the Split was introduced and are currently sitting on 45 points - their joint highest tally since the turn of the century. With 3 games still to be played that could potentially be bettered.

It has been their impressive home form that has been the foundation for this, away from Paisley it’s been a different story, with a underwhelming 13 points to show for their efforts.

Additionally, the Buddies have struggled at the tail end of this season also. Since their last win in early April, they’d gone on to lose the next three straight and last week managed to throw away a 2-0 lead over Hearts to end up with just a share of the spoils.


March: Jota was one of five Celts on the scoresheet in the 5-1 win in Paisley when these sides last met

By the Numbers​

• The Hoops are undefeated at home against all domestic opposition since January 2021- when St Mirren were the visitors.

• The Bhoys require 5 points from the remaining 3 League outings to become just the third Celtic team to reach the century mark, along with Martin O’Neill’s side in 2001-02 and Brendan Rodger’s 2016-17 Invincibles.

• Celtic have won 18 of the last 19 meetings between these sides at Parkhead.

• St Mirren have picked up just 13 points on their travels away from Paisley this season - the third lowest ‘Away’ tally across the entire Premiership.

Team News

The Bhoys are expected to be once again without defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Stephen Welsh, in addition to the continued absence of James McCarthy.

The main questions facing boss Ange Postecoglou is more about if there will be any changes to the starting XI from the one that struggled at Ipox last weekend.

As for the visitors, former Celt Tony Watt is expected to miss the remainder of the season with an ankle problem picked up in training earlier this month, while Jonah Ayunga (knee) is also sidelined, meaning that Curtis Main and Alex Grieve are likely to retain their spots in the starting XI.

Referee: David Munro

The 43yr old whistleblower has 51 Premiership games to his credit since making his top flight debut in August 2019, including 12 matches this season. This will be just his second time taking charge of a game involving Celtic this seaosn, following the 2-1 win over Ross County, back in November.

Celtic's Overall Record
M: 5 W: 2 D: 2 L: 1

VAR: Steven Kirkland



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 263 W: 182 D: 47 L: 34​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W L W

~~~~ 2022/23 Form ~~~~

All Comps
L W W W W ~ D L L L W​