Celtic are off to a flying start in the league, winning all five games so far, including the weekend’s second-half comeback against St Mirren in Paisley. Another tricky test awaits the reigning champions, as they will travel to Perth to lock horns with St Johnstone on Wednesday night.
The Hoops have dominated this fixture over the years, grabbing big-margin victories on many occasions. However, they suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat last year at McDiarmid Park, and Martin O’Neill’s men must maintain their perfect domestic run before Sunday’s high-profile Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash against the Old Firm rivals Rangers.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face St Johnstone
Defence
Veteran Sam Johnstone has been roped in on a season-long loan from Wolves. But he has yet to replace Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks, with the latter likely to retain the ‘number 1’ status this midweek.
PAISLEY, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Haissem Hassan croses the ball during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between St. Mirren and Celtic at St Mirren Park on September 05, 2026 in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Despite Alistair Johnston’s injury, the Bhoys are well-equipped on the right, as their new arrival Jordan Lotomba deserves a nod over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston for the starting spot. But the gaffer must not rush Kieran Tierney’s return, particularly after Liam Scales’ equaliser against the Buddies as a makeshift left-back. With on-loan Chelsea teenager Landon Emenalo also sidelined, the Irish international would keep his place down the left. The USMNT pair Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are expected to feature again as the preferred central defensive duo.
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Midfield
Celtic have reconstructed their midfield following Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo’s exit. Mika Baur, Joel van den Berg and Oliver Sorensen have restored parity in the centre of the pitch, and a rotation should be pursued, with Sorensen replacing Baur to form a ‘double pivot’ alongside skipper Callum McGregor. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Luke McCowan could also be involved as second-half substitutes.
Benjamin Nygen has already netted five goals and laid on six more in 8 appearances across competitions. The Swedish playmaker must showcase his creative spark as a ‘number 10’, and their Tunisian wideman Sebastian Tounekti might be deployed from the left-hand flank due to Hyun-Jun Yang’s unavailability for international duties. Haissem Hassan is regaining his rhythm with regular minutes, and the Egyptian should operate from the right ahead of James Forrest.
Attack
Kasper Hogh remains a doubt for their trip to Perth with a groin strain, but the Celts are boosted by the flair, finesse and finishing of Camilo Duran, who has been exquisite up top. Shumaira Mheuka might be introduced from the bench, with Callum Osmand recovering from an ankle injury.
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