St Mirren v Celtic: Betting Preview & Tips

St Mirren v Celtic
Live on ESPN. Kick off 12.30pm

After making 8 changes in midweek, Tony Mowbray’s Celtic will have a more familiar look to it this afternoon. Some Celtic fans might argue that that isn’t necessarily a good thing after some of the fringe player comfortably saw off Falkirk in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup.

The most notable performance was from the mercurial Irishman Paddy McCourt. He delivered a man of the match perormance, rounded off with superb solo effort which may just have forced him into the manager’s plans due to the injury picked up by Aiden McGeady.

McCourt has threatened to burst onto the scene since his arrival at Celtic Park but his fitness and overall team-play have been cited as the reasons he’s been left kicking his heels. The SPL’s under-21 rule means he may miss out more often than not but today could be the day when he gets his chance from the start. At 16/1 (Ladbrokes) to net the first goal he might have some strong support if he features in the starting line-up and even 9/2 (Paddy Power) on him scoring at anytime could be worth a small interest if he has to make do with a seat on the bench but check the line-ups first.

As for the match itself, it’s a game that Celtic really need to win. St Mirren have yet to record a home league win at their new stadium, however when Celtic visited on Scottish Cup duty back in March it was the buddies who came out on top. Gus McPherson’s side also defeated Rangers 1-0 at Love Street last season so will not fear the visit from Celtic today. However they’ve won just one match in 5 so far in the league, scoring just 4 goals in the process so 4/11 (Betfred, Blue Sq, Coral, Ladbrokes, SkyBet) on the Hoops win looks a decent bet. That lack of firepower for the Saints also points to a clean sheet for Artur Boruc and co. Celtic to win to nil is availabel at 5/4 (SkyBet) and offers more value.

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