St Johnstone v Celtic: Scottish Premiership predictions, best bets and odds

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Celtic were made to work for their weekend win over St Mirren, who led the Bhoys for the best part of half an hour in an accomplished performance.

However, Martin O’Neill’s men are so strong that it can be hard to resist them over the course of 90 minutes and goals from Liam Scales and Hyun-jun Yang got Celtic over the line.

The tough weekend-midweek-weekend fixture rotation in the Scottish Premiership offers Celtic’s opponents opportunities to capitalise, but of course the Bhoys have deeper squads than everyone else in the division – and we think they will have the firepower in their tiring legs to continue their perfect start to the domestic campaign.

St Johnstone v Celtic tips

Celtic to Win & Under 5 Goals @ 4/5 (Bet365)

Celtic -0.75 Asian Handicap @ 1/2 (Bet365)

Camilo Duran 2+ Shots On Target @ 8/15 (Bet365)

Odds courtesy of Bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

An unwanted record

Victories over Hibernian and Kilmarnock have certainly raised a few cheers at McDiarmid Park this term, but as we know, Celtic are a different animal altogether.

St Johnstone actually beat the Hoops on home soil last April. But that awakened the beast in Celtic: just 13 days later in the FA Cup, they ran out 5-0 winners at the same venue.

If we head back to the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Celtic have defeated the Saints in three of their four meetings, with scorelines of 4-0, 5-0 and 6-0.

That offers a glimpse at the gulf in class, and while some injuries in the Bhoys’ camp – and that punishing schedule of late – may just sap some of their strength, ultimately it would still take a brave punter to bet against them continuing their fine record against the Saints.

Tip: Celtic to Win and Under 5 Goals @ 4/5 (Bet365)

Explanation: Our bet lands if Celtic win this game and there are four or fewer goals in the contest.

Just too good

Even though it’s early days in this Scottish Premiership season, it looks as though St Mirren are going to be the surprise package – they even look capable of a top four finish, as things stand.

They provided a stern test of Celtic’s credentials on Saturday, but O’Neill’s Bhoys passed with mostly flying colours – they won all of the key statistical categories and, most importantly of all, landed the 2-1 verdict.

Playing such a large number of games in a relatively short space of time does not suit St Johnstone, and while some useful wins on home soil have to be taken into consideration, a rotated starting 11 – or tired limbs – are not ideal heading into a clash with the best in the business north of the border.

Celtic’s strength in depth suggests they will be comfortable enough in victory on Wednesday.

Tip: Celtic -0.75 Asian Handicap @ 1/2 (Bet365)

Explanation: If Celtic win by 2+ goals, our bet lands. If they win by one goal, we win half our expected profit. If they draw or lose, our bet is settled as a loss.

South American flair

Sometimes in betting, we just have to follow the numbers.

In his last five games, Camilo Duran’s form in terms of shots on target reads 0-2-2-4-2 – and there’s no reason to suggest the Colombian will regress from his mean in this midweek clash.

The 24-year-old was in fine form once again at the weekend, producing an assist and two shots on target (from four shots in all) and getting a standing ovation from the Celtic fans after being substituted.

Confidence is flowing through Duran’s veins right now, and he will surely once again be asked to lead the line on Wednesday – can St Johnstone stop him from producing more shots at goal?

Tip: Camilo Duran 2+ Shots On Target @ 8/15 (Bet365)

Explanation: Our bet lands if Camilo Duran has two or more shots on target.

St Johnstone v Celtic: Match result odds

St Johnstone: 11/2 (Bet365)

Draw: 15/4 (Bet365)

Celtic: 2/5 (Bet365)

These odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.