Match Overview
The upcoming clash between St. Johnstone and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership is more than just a regular fixture; it's a battle of contrasting ambitions. Celtic, the perennial title contenders, are looking to extend their lead at the top, while St. Johnstone aims to climb the table and secure a respectable finish. The match at McDiarmid Park is crucial for both teams, with Celtic's pursuit of the title and St. Johnstone's quest for points.
Odds Analysis
The odds heavily favor Celtic, with an average of 1.17 for an away win, translating to an 85.5% probability. St. Johnstone, with odds of 15.92, has a mere 6.3% chance of victory, while a draw stands at 7.47, indicating an 13.4% probability. These figures suggest a likely win for Celtic, given their superior form and squad depth.
Team Analysis
St. Johnstone
- Current Form: St. Johnstone has struggled this season, averaging 1.07 goals per match and conceding 1.8.
- Strengths: Their possession rate of 53.33% and successful dribbles (13.73) show potential in controlling the game.
- Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities are evident with 1.8 goals conceded per match.
Celtic
- Current Form: Celtic boasts an impressive average of 2.97 goals per match, with a solid defense conceding only 0.67.
- Strengths: High possession (70.73%) and offensive prowess with 17.57 shots per game.
- Weaknesses: Minimal, but their duels success rate is slightly lower than expected.
Head-to-Head
Celtic has dominated past encounters, consistently outperforming St. Johnstone. Their tactical approach, focusing on high possession and quick transitions, has proven effective against St. Johnstone's defense.
Key Players Spotlight
St. Johnstone
- Makenzie Kirk: Leading scorer with 7 goals, crucial for St. Johnstone's attack.
- Nicky Clark: Another key player with 6 goals, providing depth in offense.
Celtic
- Daizen Maeda: Top scorer with 13 goals, a constant threat to defenses.
- Kyogo Furuhashi: With 10 goals, his partnership with Maeda is vital.
Statistical Deep Dive
- Offensive Metrics: Celtic's 2.97 goals per game and 6.93 shots on target highlight their attacking strength.
- Defensive Metrics: St. Johnstone's 1.8 goals conceded per match indicates defensive frailties.
- Possession and Passing: Celtic's 70.73% possession and 635.1 successful passes per game underline their control.
Prediction and Conclusion
Given the statistical analysis and current form, Celtic is expected to secure a victory. Their offensive capabilities and solid defense are likely to overpower St. Johnstone. Key factors include Celtic's high possession and goal-scoring prowess.
Final Score Prediction: Celtic 3-1 St. Johnstone Half Time Score Prediction: Celtic 2-0 St. Johnstone Both Teams to Score Probability: 60% Over 2.5 Goals Probability: 76.67%