St Johnstone vs. Celtic: Prediction, Betting Tips

The Scottish Premiership clash between St Johnstone and Celtic is always a highly anticipated fixture. With Celtic’s dominance in the league and St Johnstone’s determination to upset the odds, this match promises excitement and drama. In this article, we’ll delve into the prediction, betting tips, analysis, and statistics for the upcoming encounter.

Match Preview

Date: April 6, 2025
Venue: McDiarmid Park, Perth

St Johnstone, currently struggling at the bottom of the table, will host league leaders Celtic. The Saints have had a tough season, and their recent form has been inconsistent. On the other hand, Celtic have been in scintillating form, dominating both domestically and in Europe.

Team News

St Johnstone:

• Injuries: Uche Ikpeazu and Sam McClelland are sidelined due to injuries.
• Manager: Simo Valakari, who recently took over, is looking to inspire his team to a better performance.

Celtic:

• Injuries: Celtic have a relatively healthy squad with no major injury concerns.
• Manager: Brendan Rodgers has returned to Celtic and has been instrumental in their recent success.

Head-to-Head

Celtic have a dominant record against St Johnstone. In their last 46 matches, Celtic have won 35 times, while St Johnstone have managed just 3 victories. The remaining 8 matches ended in draws. Celtic have scored 120 goals in these encounters, compared to St Johnstone’s 28.

Recent Form

St Johnstone:

• Last 5 matches: L L W D D
• Goals scored: 32
• Goals conceded: 54

Celtic:

• Last 5 matches: W L W W L
• Goals scored: 89
• Goals conceded: 20

Prediction

Given the current form and historical dominance, Celtic are the clear favorites to win this match. St Johnstone’s defense has been leaky, and they will need to be at their best to contain Celtic’s potent attack.

Prediction: St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic

Betting Tips

1. Celtic to Win: With Celtic’s impressive form, betting on them to win is a safe bet.
2. Both Teams to Score – No: St Johnstone have struggled to find the net against Celtic, making this a likely outcome.
3. Over 2.5 Goals: Given Celtic’s attacking prowess, expect a high-scoring game.
4. Celtic to Score Over 1.5 Goals in the Second Half: Celtic have a tendency to score more in the latter stages of the game.

Analysis

St Johnstone’s Strategy: St Johnstone will need to focus on a solid defensive setup to withstand Celtic’s attacks. They should look to capitalize on counter-attacks and set-pieces, where they can exploit any weaknesses in Celtic’s defense.

Celtic’s Strategy: Celtic will aim to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. Their attacking trio, led by Kyogo Furuhashi, will be crucial in breaking down St Johnstone’s defense. Brendan Rodgers will likely emphasize quick transitions and exploiting the flanks.

Key Players

St Johnstone:

• Ronan Hale: A key player in their attack, Hale’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will be vital.
• Drey Wright: Known for his pace and dribbling, Wright can trouble Celtic’s defense on the counter.

Celtic:

• Kyogo Furuhashi: Celtic’s top scorer, Furuhashi’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat.
• Daizen Maeda: With his speed and work rate, Maeda can stretch defenses and create opportunities.

Betting Odds

• Celtic to Win: 1/6
• Draw: 7/1
• St Johnstone to Win: 18/1

Statistics

• Celtic’s Win Rate: 80% in the league.
• St Johnstone’s Win Rate: 23% in the league.
• Goals per Match: Celtic – 3.63, St Johnstone – 1.07.
• Clean Sheets: Celtic – 63%, St Johnstone – 20%.

Conclusion

The upcoming match between St Johnstone and Celtic is expected to be a one-sided affair, with Celtic likely to continue their dominance. However, football is unpredictable, and St Johnstone will be hoping to pull off a surprise. For bettors, backing Celtic to win and expecting a high-scoring game seems to be the best approach.

Whether you’re a fan of the Scottish Premiership or a betting enthusiast, this match promises to deliver excitement and drama. Stay tuned for what could be a thrilling encounter at McDiarmid Park.