MATCH PREVIEW: SAINTS VERSUS CELTIC
26th July 2016
St. Johnstone are a hair's breadth away from confirming another fourth place finish in the Scottish Premiership. Tomorrow evening, Saints welcome the newly-crowned league champions to McDiarmid Park for our final home match of the season (7.30pm kick-off).
On Saturday afternoon, our impressive post-split form continued. A 2-1 victory at Fir Park ensured that Saints will approach their penultimate league fixture with the benefit of a five-point lead over Motherwell. The Steelmen drew first blood in last weekend's encounter, when a Zander Clark miskick was headed into an empty net by seasoned veteran Scott McDonald. Saints needed to show plenty of quality and resilience to force their way back into the game. This was exactly what they were able to produce. A pinpoint Brian Easton cross was converted, on the volley, by Steven MacLean, before Danny Swanson scored the winner with his first goal since returning to the club. David Wotherspoon's cross was met by the head of Steven MacLean. The ball landed at Swanson's feet and he finished off the move in a calm and composed fashion.
Meanwhile, Celtic's 3-2 victory against Aberdeen provided confirmation of their fifth consecutive league championship. Patrick Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, scored an excellent first-half brace before Mikael Lustig rubbed salt into the Dons' wounds with a third Celtic goal. Ronny Deila's team seemed to be coasting towards a comfortable victory, but the second-half saw a change in momentum. Aberdeen soon reduced the deficit with goals from Niall McGinn and Andrew Considine. However, the damage had already been done. The Dons were ultimately unable to delay Celtic's title-winning celebrations.
The Hoops will arrive at McDiarmid Park in confident mood. Nonetheless, a significant portion of Celtic supporters have been unimpressed with the quality of their team's league performances this season. Now that their league victory has finally been confirmed, they'll be hoping for an improved display in a less pressurised situation. With 4th place yet to be achieved, it's imperative that Saints treat their opponents with nothing more than a modicum of respect!
Since the introduction of the split, St. Johnstone have only fallen to defeat in three of their previous eighteen top-six fixtures. Our league record against Celtic isn't quite as remarkable. We have won just one of our last ten league clashes against the Parkhead side (a 1-0 away win last year, courtesy of a stunning Danny Swanson strike). Nonetheless, we have enjoyed a number of positive performances against the Bhoys in recent years. Celtic, currently on the look-out for a new manager to succeed their current boss, haven't lost a league clash since the start of February.
Tommy Wright has a rather threadbare squad to choose from. Chris Millar, Murray Davidson and Simon Lappin will miss out due to injury. This means that Scott Brown will most likely be given an opportunity to impress alongside Liam Craig in the centre of midfield. Darnell Fisher is ineligible to play against his parent club, whilst Dave Mackay and Craig Thomson are long-term absentees.
For those who are unable to attend tomorrow's match, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. The all-ticket affair will kick off at 7.30pm. As we approach the climax of another successful season, show your appreciation for these St. Johnstone players as they strive to end their McDiarmid Park fixtures with a flourish.
Come on ye Saints!
match preview by Ollie Wale
ADMISSION INFO - please be advised this match is all-ticket
WEST STAND (St Johnstone support) Adult - £26 Concessions (65 and over + 13-16 year olds) - £13 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
EAST STAND (St Johnstone support) Adult - £26 Concessions (65 and over + 13-16 year olds) - £13 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
ORMOND STAND (Celtic support) Adult - £26 Concessions (65 and over + 13-16 year olds) - £13 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
NORTH STAND (Celtic support) Tickets for this stand have only available from Celtic FC.
The Ticket Office is open 9.30am to 5pm (01738 455000)
PLEASE NOTE: St. Johnstone FC Season Tickets ARE valid for this match.