MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Olivier Ntcham of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides fourth gaol during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on November 08, 2020 in Motherwell, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The Scottish Premiership returns to the fold this weekend, with Celtic playing host to St. Mirren on Saturday. Neil Lennon’s side will go into Saturday’s clash as the favourites after ending their four-game winless streak with a 2-0 win over Hamilton Academical on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths.
Celtic have had their fair share of inconsistencies this season but they did beat St. Mirren 2-1 in the league back in September. Having all but surrendered the domestic title to bitter rivals Rangers this term, the Hoops will be playing for their pride when they welcome the Saints this weekend.
Christopher Jullien and James Forrest have been ruled out for the weekend clash against St. Mirren. Scott Brown is set to be available for selection once again after serving his red card suspension.
He kept a deserved clean sheet in the win over Hamilton and should start ahead of Barkas once again on Saturday.
The Norwegian is likely to feature on the right-hand side of the backline following the sale of Frimpong to Bayer Leverkusen.
Taylor put in a decent shift in the last game but the Uruguayan could be set for a start at the weekend if Lennon opts to rotate his squad.
The Israeli international impressed with his calmness and composure at the back against Hamilton and should retain his place on the team sheet.
The Brighton loanee has blown hot and cold this season but he’s likely to continue at centre-back due to the injury to Jullien.
The Ivorian absolutely bossed the midfield with his impressive reading of the game against Hamilton and seems to be growing in confidence with each passing game.
The homegrown star remains a key cog in Celtic’s engine room and has always been an undisputed starter under Lennon.
The Scottish playmaker only came on as a substitute in the midweek fixture but could get a start on Saturday if Lennon rotates his squad.
The Southampton loanee failed to make a big impression against Hamilton but Celtic are clearly short of options on the flanks.
The Frenchman capped off a fine all-round display with a well-taken goal in the last game.
The veteran seems to have regained Lennon’s confidence after some impressive performances in recent weeks.