If there is a team in Scotland capable of putting the brakes on Celtic’s incredible form it could well be St Johnstone.
What The Perth Saints lack in out and out quality they make up in determination, endeavour, organisation and belief. Hence they remain unbeaten in the league against Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen.
It is no fluke. They save their best performances for the best teams. When their backs are to the wall that is exactly when they come out fighting. I say it time and time again but the fact Tommy Wright has them anywhere close to the top four is nothing short of miraculous.
Although on this occasion it does feel as though the Celtic juggernaut has too much at hand. While the 0-3 victory over Albion Rovers may have been timid by their own high standards that is not a gauge to measure this game by.
It’s back to league business on Wednesday and the cup match blew off the winter break cobwebs. There will likely be renewed vigour in the Celtic camp as they head for twenty domestic victories in a row.
The return of Kieran Tierney and Leigh Griffiths, both of whom are champing at the bit, is also a positive. New signing Kouaasi Eboue is unlikely to feature. But his presence should sharpen the other midfielders’ minds.
A rare opportunity has also presented itself on the betting front. While I have been a proponent of going against the opportunistic grain when it comes to Celtic I am going to plump for a comprehensive victory in this one.
At home Celtic should be capable of turning teams over by at least two goals more often than not. So when a -2 asian handicap price appears at odds against it has to be considered.
