Celtic v Saints Preview

Last updated : 19 January 2007 By Stuart Gillespie
Celtic are 17 points clear of their nearest rivals and it's just a matter of when, rather than if, they secure the title. Their home form is excellent, whilst their away record isn't too shabby either - from 12 games on the road they've managed seven wins, four draws and just one defeat. Saints away record is actually pretty similar - if you switch the wins and losses columns around!

There is talk of Saints making a new signing ahead of tomorrow's match, but who will it be? Some say midfielder Stephen O'Donnell from Clyde, whilst the Daily Record claims we're after a Scottish forward from an English club, sparking rumours about Tom Brighton and Daryll Duffy. Maybe it's an English forward from a Scottish club, meaning Jamie Mole on loan from Hearts. That one's unlikely, as Saints manager Gus MacPherson says the deal is being held up as the selling club want a fair bit of cash. With the Official Site's daily e-mail already out, it looks unlikely there will be a new signing today. If there is, you can read about it on here - unless it occurs after 4pm, in which case you'll need to go elsewhere.

Whether we sign someone or not, it won't make a lot of difference for tomorrow. We were lucky to almost snatch a draw at Tannadice on Tuesday and could be on for a right hammering tomorrow. If we play the way we did at Ibrox we might, just might, escape with a respectable defeat. Both Simon Lappin and Stewart Kean returned in Tuesday's match, whilst Alex Burke and Iain Anderson are back in training. However, lots of other players - Hugh Murray, Craig Molloy, Billy Mehmet and Brian McGinty - are still missing. The situation isn't too bad now, and in all honesty the only one we desperately need back is Shuggy.

David van Zanten gets another chance to take on his old club tomorrow, and will do so as part of a rather dodgy defence with a rather dodgy goalkeeper. Tony Bullock has been poor recently and it's perhaps time for Chris Smith to get his chance, whilst surely a defensive pairing of John Potter and Kirk Broadfoot if it's a back four (or Ian Maxwell if it's a back three) deserves a chance.

However, as I mentioned, it probably won't make much difference who we play in defence as Celtic will rip us to shreds. They have players who can score goals from all areas of the team, and how they only put three past us at Love Street a few months ago was a miracle. Even worse is the fact that Kenny Miller is on a goal drought - another five goal haul anyone?

Incase I haven't made it clear, I reckon we're going to get thrashed tomorrow. Let's just hope that doesn't put off any prospective signings!