Four successive victories and 15 goals scored suggest Celtic are firmly back on track and it’s surely only a matter of time before they are cresting the summit again in the Scottish Premiership. Livingston have beaten Rangers at Almondvale this season but it is surely asking too much of Gary Holt’s side to repeat the trick against the other of the Glasgow giants given their appalling record against Celtic in the league.
Livingston Form
Livi were unbeaten in eight games in the Premiership prior to losing at home St Johnstone earlier this month. Unfortunately, they followed that up with another 1-0 defeat at Hamilton last week and playing Celtic just as you’ve lost form in not ideal. To their credit, they’ve acquitted themselves quite well back in the top flight after gaining promotion via the play-off at the end of last season. The fact that they have been able to put distance between themselves and the relegation places is down to a solid defence which has conceded just seven goals in 11 matches – only Celtic have conceded fewer. The resilience of their back three, usually well marshalled by Declan Gallagher, will be tested by the visitors this weekend but don’t expect them to buckle just because they are playing Celtic.
Celtic Form
Celtic have won each of their last five matches in the league, scoring four or more goals in their last four. Ryan Christie and James Forrest are both in flying form and Tom Rogic has also been scoring goals and providing plenty of assists. The Bhoys will be buoyant after Thursday’s Europa League victory over Leipzig in which Odsonne Edouard scored again and it bodes well for the long-term future of the club that Brendan Rodgers has found a way of playing that doesn’t rely on talisman Scott Brown, who remains on the sidelines. Celtic should dominate possession at Livingston but may have to be patient in their approach and this may not be a romp as in recent domestic matches.
Livingston v Celtic Head-to-Heads
Livingston have never beaten Celtic and have lost 16 matches in a row since drawing 0-0 in 2001. The champions have scored two or more goals )22 in total) in each of their last seven visits to Almondvale in the Scottish Premiership, keeping five clean sheets in their last six games against Livingston on the road.
Livingston v Celtic Current Best Odds
Livingston 16/1, Draw 11/2, Celtic 2/9 (Odds correct at 11am November 9)
Livingston v Celtic Predictions
Celtic are impossible to oppose as they bid to rack up another victory to heap further pressure on those around them but not worth backing in the outright betting. However, scoring goals doesn’t come easy to Livingston so Rodgers’ team must be worth a bet to Win To Nil at 5/6 with BetVictor. The same firm off 5/1 for 0-2 in the Correct Score betting with 0-3 priced up at 13/2.
