Celtic vs St. Mirren – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Celtic will face St. Mirren for the second time this month as both teams clash in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

Celtic vs St. Mirren – Match preview and team news

Celtic team news

Celtic’s preparations for the Scottish Cup semi-final have been severely hampered by a significant injury crisis, leaving interim manager Martin O’Neill with a depleted defensive unit.

The Hoops will be without goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and Cameron Carter-Vickers, both of whom are sidelined with long-term shoulder and Achilles injuries respectively.

Further complicating matters, Liam Scales is unavailable through suspension, while Jota and Julian Araujo remain out for the season.

While there is cautious optimism regarding the recovery of Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand from hamstring issues, this fixture is likely to come too soon for them to start.

Despite these setbacks, the return to full fitness of Arne Engels and Reo Hatate provides a necessary boost to the midfield.

St. Mirren team news

St Mirren enter this encounter with a primary concern surrounding the availability of their starting goalkeeper, Shamal George.

The keeper is facing a race against time to recover from an ankle injury sustained during their recent league clash against Celtic; should he fail a late fitness test, Ryan Mullen is prepared to step in between the posts.

Craig McLeish will also miss Keanu Baccus, Marcus Fraser, and Malik Dijksteel as all of them remain sidelined for the whole season.

Form

Celtic

Celtic’s domestic form has been strong, with the team winning four of their last five matches. They secured a narrow 1–0 victory over St Mirren just last week. Their recent run includes a vital 2–1 win against Dundee and a high-scoring 3–1 triumph over Motherwell. Despite their 2–0 loss to Dundee United during this period, they maintained momentum, having also eliminated Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a disciplined 0–0 draw (won on penalties).

St. Mirren

St Mirren have shown resilient form under McLeish, winning three of their last five outings in all competitions. Before their recent 1–0 loss at Celtic Park, the Saints recorded back-to-back victories, defeating Aberdeen 2–0 and Falkirk 2–1. Their standout result of the season remains the 3–1 victory over Celtic in the League Cup final last December. They reached this semi-final after a hard-fought 2–1 win against Partick Thistle.

Predicted lineups

Celtic: Sinisalo; Ralston, Trusty, Arthur, Saracchi; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti

St. Mirren: George; Donnelly, Gogic, Freckleton, John; O’Hara, Devaney, Campbell, Phillips; Ayunga, Mandron.

How to watch Celtic vs St. Mirren?

The Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and St Mirren will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 1.

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