Scottish Premier League Preview: Celtic - St. Mirren

Neil Lennon’s Celtic side host St. Mirren in their second SPL league game of the season.

Celtic got off to a winning start last week with a wonderful solo goal from Paddy McCourt giving them a 1- 0 win over Inverness.

Celtic currently sit at 4th spot in the SPL but many including Neill Lennon will be expecting that to swiftly change.

The first game at Parkhead provides Lennon and his side a chance to show their true potential this season in front of the home town faithful as his side look to continue their 100% record.

St. Mirren earned an opening day draw in a hard fought content against Dundee United. St. Mirren looked to be on course for an opening day win and a perfect start to management for new boss Danny Lennon. However Dundee’s late equalizer ruined the fairytale ending and Danny Lennon will be out to make sure his side keep their defensive concentration at a maximum.

Celtics mid week exploits in the Europa League saw no injuries sustained to their side, how sharp they will be following it will have to be seen on Sunday.

Team News

Celtic

Celtic are predicted to be without Cha Du-Ri who is still suffering from a niggling hamstring injury. He will have to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s game before he can be deemed fit to play.

New signing Emilio Izaguirre will not make his debut yet as he is still set to complete paperwork and formalities in Honduras.

Andreas Hinkel remains out, the German left back is expected to miss up to nine months after suffering from cruciate ligament damage to his right knee in training.

Predicted XI: Zaluska; Hooiveld, Mulgrew, Cha, Loovens; Ledley, Brown, McCourt, Fortune; Samaras, Maloney.

St Mirren

St. Mirrens have their own selection problems to deal with. Paul McGowan will not start as per terms of his loan agreement and Michael Higdon is suspended.

Paul McQuade and Steven Thomson join the already injured David Barron on the treatment table but on the plus side St. Mirren will have Craig Dargo back and fully fit.

Predicted XI: Gallacher; van Zanten, Travner, Potter, McGregor; Murray, Robb, Thomson, Lynch; Wardlaw, McGowan

One to watch...

Joe Ledley

Summer signing Ledley was brought to Parkhead from Cardiff City. Ledley said he joined Celtic to experience European football. While that dream may not have currently turned out as planned Ledley will be eager to still prove his worth, and Celtic's misfiring strikers will depend greatly on his service to maximize their opportunities in front of goal.