Celtic have reportedly locked in their line-up for this afternoon’s clash at McDiarmid Park, with Brendan Rodgers opting for experience and balance as the champions edge closer to sealing the Premiership crown.
Auston Trusty returns to partner Cameron Carter-Vickers in central defence after recovering from injury, while Daizen Maeda is trusted to lead the line through the middle. Viljami Sinisalo keeps his spot in goal, rewarded after shutting out Hearts in the previous match.
On the left, Jeffrey Schlupp continues at full-back, meaning Greg Taylor—set to depart at the end of the season—drops to the bench. Skipper Callum McGregor anchors the midfield and is joined by Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, offering Celtic stability and creativity in equal measure.
Out wide, Nicolas Kühn and Jota will look to stretch St Johnstone’s defence, supplying the pace and invention to support Maeda in attack.
It is a decisive afternoon in Perth. Victory here would move Celtic to within touching distance of glory, with the chance to clinch the title at Celtic Park next weekend when they welcome Kilmarnock. Rodgers has made it clear: nothing can be left to chance now.
Celtic XI vs St Johnstone:
Sinisalo; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp; McGregor (c), Engels, Hatate; Jota, Kühn; Maeda
Substitutes: Bain, Taylor, Idah, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston
Kick-off comes at 12pm, live on Sky Sports, with the Hoops knowing that every pass, every tackle, brings them a step closer to silverware.