After opening up a 12 point advantage at the top of the Premiership table Celtic will look to end 2024 on a high in front of their own fans.
Having dropped points in a stalemate against Dundee United, Brendan Rodgers’ side were back on form against Motherwell – with a 4-0 win combined with Rangers‘ defeat to St Mirren in the late kick-off ensuring that any hopes of a title challenge south of the Clyde look to have been extinguished for good. And after another glittering year, the Hoops will be determined to go into the January 2 derby with plenty of confidence by picking up another three points against Simo Valakari’s toiling Saints.
The Finnish boss has brought a much easier on the eye style of play to Perth, but it has yet to bring results – and he has just three victories from his 12 games in charge so far, as the Saints dropped to the foot of the Premiership standings. They face a big January to avoid dropping out of the top flight, and picking up anything at Parkhead would be a major boost ahead of a vital five months. Celtic meanwhile could see the game as the ideal chance to rotate their squad ahead of the Old Firm, so boss Rodgers could be tempted to rest big hitters like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizan Maeda to keep them fresh for Ibrox.
It’s a game that is vital at both ends of the table, and Record Sport can ensure that you don’t miss a moment of the action.
When is Celtic vs St Johnstone?
Celtic take on St Johnstone at Celtic Park on Sunday December 29, with kick-off at 3pm.
Is Celtic vs St Johnstone on TV?
Unfortunately, the fixture has not been selected by Sky Sports or Premier Sports. However, fans can tune into Sportscene highlights on BBC Scotland from 7:15pm.
Can I live stream Celtic vs St Johnstone and is there a PPV option?
Unfortunately the game will only be available to watch outside of the UK and Ireland. Celtic TV and St Johnstone TV subscribers overseas can live stream the match as normal without a charge from their usual devices. As things stand, there is no option to purchase a pay-per-view pass.
Where else can I follow the action?
You can keep up with all the action from Parkhead right here on dailyrecord.co.uk! Record Sport will be running a live blog with all the pre-match build-up and team news, and every kick of the ball once the clash gets underway. After the game, we’ll have all the reaction from managers and players, as well as player ratings, talking points and plenty more.
Referee and VAR
Matthew MacDermid will be the man in charge, assisted by Frank Connor and David Dunne. David Dickinson is on VAR duties with Graeme Leslie assistant VAR.
Team news
Celtic have been handed a boost with the news that Alistair Johnston could be fit enough to return against St Johnstone, but will be fit enough to face Rangers in the derby if not. Auston Trusty is also in line for a start having not featured since the Premier Sports Cup final. Odin Thiago Holm, out since September, remains sidelined.
For Saints long-term injury victim Sam McClelland once again misses out.