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Despite an underwhelming season, a strong end could see Celtic clinch a ‘domestic double’. They defeated Rangers to make it to the Scottish Cup semifinal, and a win against St Mirren on Sunday afternoon would take them a step closer to the silverware.
The Buddies, struggling for survival in the Premiership, lost 1-0 at Parkhead last weekend. But they conquered the League Cup, defeating the Hoops at Hampden Park in December. Celtic have since revived their campaign following Martin O’Neill’s reappointment as the interim boss upon Wilfried Nancy’s dismissal. A revenge in the Cup is on the cards; however, the lack of consistency and firepower could cause another upset, unless the Celts step up their game in Mount Florida.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Despite an edgy win, St Mirren failed to threaten Viljami Sinisalo enough in the Celtic goal. The Finnish custodian has been a regular between the sticks since Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder injury, and it remains to be seen whether St Mirren keep him busy, unlike the league outing.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 11: Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic battles with Declan John of St Mirren during the William Hill Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Injuries to Colby Donovan, Alistair Johnston and Julian Araujo leave the Bhoys with Anthony Ralston as the only available right fullback. The Scotsman is expected to keep his place, and so is Kieran Tierney, who has been the preferred choice down the left ahead of Marcelo Saracchi. Benjamin Arthur has lately enjoyed an impressive streak, but a clean sheet at Celtic Park should allow Auston Trusty and Liam Scales to retain their starting status in the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early strike proved decisive in the final gameweek of the Scottish Premiership regular season. Although Arne Engels is back from a long injury layoff, the veteran Englishman must start, allowing the Belgian to regain match fitness. Despite a minor knock, skipper Callum McGregor would partner with ‘The Ox’ and form a ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield. Besides Engels, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan might also be involved as second-half substitutes.
The creative spark and poaching traits of Benjamin Nygren make him an assured starter as an advanced playmaker. The ‘number 10′ role suits his style of play, and Hyun-Jun Yang, being the Hoops’ most productive attacker, must feature again from the right-hand flank. Daizen Maeda has been dreadful all season, yet a player of his profile might not be dropped in such a high-profile fixture. He is likely to operate from the left ahead of Sebastian Tounekti and James Forrest.
Attack
O’Neill must make one change and restore Kelechi Iheanacho up top in place of Tomas Cvancara. Neither of them has done enough to earn a contract beyond this season, but the Nigerian offers more finesse and sharpness if he is fit enough to start the weekend encounter.
