{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}}
Bernardo axed, Maeda starts in 4-3-3: Celtic predicted XI v St Mirren
Celtic will face St Mirren at home in the league on Wednesday (1 November) as they attempt to get back to winning ways.
After the Hoops dropped points at Easter Road in a 0-0 against Hibernian, which shortened the gap over Rangers to five points, Football Insider has predicted Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up against the Saints.
Defence
Joe Hart is certain to remain in between the sticks. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales have emerged as Brendan Rodgers’ regular partnership at centre-back this season and will likely remain in the starting XI.
Anthony Ralston could enter the team in place of Alistair Johnston, who was withdrawn in the 26th minute against Hibs through injury.
Rodgers may avoid bringing Johnston back into the fold despite training this week, meaning Ralston could remain after he helped keep a clean sheet at Easter Road.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
Greg Taylor, who has started all league games and kept five clean sheets, could be set to remain on the teamsheet.
Midfield
After a poor outing against Hibs, Paulo Bernardo could be dropped for David Turnbull, whose three league goals this season may be enough for Rodgers to give him the nod.
Regular starter Matt O’Riley who, as revealed by Football Insider on 29 October, is the subject of interest from Brighton, could keep his place.
Despite a blunt performance at Hibs, he and Callum McGregor were excellent in Celtic’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid and will likely keep their spots.
Attack
Rodgers could name an unchanged front three. None of Luis Palma, Kyogo Furuhashi or Daizen Maeda covered themselves in glory last time out, but their consistency throughout the season will make the boss hesitant to drop them.
The trio have earned 12 goals between them in all competitions this season and Rodgers will depend on them to score after Celtic blanked in the league for the first time since matchday three against St Johnstone.
In other news, Frank McAvennie claims Celtic will “100 per cent” sign a duo this January.