“Crazy things happen in football,” Saint boss Simo Valakari eyes Celtic shock | OneFootball

Ahead of his side’s match against Celtic this weekend at McDiarmid Park, St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari shared what he admires about the Scottish champions…

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari arrives at Celtic Park prior to the Scottishl Premiership match between Celtic and St. Johnstone on December 29, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The ex-Motherwell and Derby County midfielder, who made 32 appearances for Finland, commended the Hoops ahead of Sunday’s encounter, highlighting a particular aspect of Brendan Rodgers’ team that he values most. In an interview with Gordon Duncan on Sky Sports, Valakari said: “Football is crazy.”

‘What I like about them is that they’re so ruthless’

“Yes, we know Celtic and how well they have been playing domestically and in Europe. What I like about them is that they’re so ruthless.”

“For us, it’s a big challenge. But at the same time, we need to go. Crazy things happen in football. We need to go and believe in ourselves.”

Simo Valakari, Manager of St Johnstone, reacts during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at Celtic Park on December 29, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

As of now, Valakari’s St Johnstone find themselves at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, with 26 points from 31 matches. They trail Dundee in 11th place by five points, who have 31, while Kilmarnock occupy 10th with 32 points.

Celtic boast a 10-0 aggregate advantage over St Johnstone

Celtic boast a 10-0 aggregate advantage over their opponents this season, having secured a 6-0 win in September and a 4-0 victory at Celtic Park in December.

With seven matches remaining it looks increasingly likely that the Perth Saints will play their football in the Scottish Championship next campaign.

Simo Valakari, Manager of St Johnstone, speaks to Sven Sprangler during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at Celtic Park on December 29, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The two sides will meet again in two weeks time at the national stadium as they battle it out for a place in the Scottish Cup final next month. The winners will face either Aberdeen or Hearts.

Match officials confirmed for McDiarmid Park, no Alan Muir

Continued on the next page…

Referee David Dickinson at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

David Dickinson has been appointed referee for Celtic’s trip to McDiarmid Park on Sunday afternoon…

This will be the whistler’s third game in charge of the Scottish Champions this season. He was previously referee for Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 0-0 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice in December. Prior to that, David Dickinson was the man in the middle for Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park earlier on this season.

The much-maligned Alan Muir failed to award Celtic a clear penalty

Controversy followed in the aftermath of Rodgers’ men’s visit to Lanarkshire whereby the much-maligned Alan Muir failed to award Celtic a clear penalty after Daizen Maeda was bundled down in the box by Stephen O’Donnell.

Meanwhile, Celtic have the opportunity to edge even closer to securing a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title as they make the trip to the Fair City this weekend.

McDiarmid Park, Perth, photo St Johnstone FC

The travelling Celtic support numbering around 7000 will be packed into three stands at McDiarmid Park. Should the Hoops secure three points on Sunday, they will be just two wins away from a 55th league championship, assuming that theRangers win at home to Hibs on Saturday afternoon.

Simo Valakari’s men remain rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership

Whereas Simo Valakari’s men remain rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership. Five points behind Dundee who linger in 11th spot, time is well and truly running out for St Johnstone to avoid automatic relegation. With seven matches remaining, the Perth Saints must dramatically improve their form if they have any chance of staying in the division next season.

Celtic fans at McDiarmid Park

Scottish Cup semi-final a chance for St Johnstone to play without relegation pressure

The post split fixtures are going to be crucial for St Johnstone and their Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic will be a chance to play without the pressure of relegation hanging over them.

The two sides have already met twice this season. Celtic comfortably dispatched St Johnstone 6-0 in September at McDiarmid Park in one of the finest displays of the campaign and then were 4-0 winners in Glasgow’s east end in December.

St Johnstone v Celtic – Callum McGregor celebrates with team-mates after scoring our fourth goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

Assisting Dickinson on-field are linesman Dougie Potter and Steven Traynor. Manning VAR duties at Clydesdale House is Greg Aitken with Andrew McWilliam taking up the role as AVAR. Good to see that Alan Muir isn’t involved and long may it continue.

St Johnstone v Celtic – Kick off time and Where to Watch

Kick-off for Sunday afternoon’s (6 April) encounter in Perth is 12:00 and will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. For subscribers outside Britain and Ireland, Celtic TV will be broadcasting the match as usual.

Conor Spence

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