Celtic vs Livingston
Scottish Premiership
Saturday
23rd December 2023
Celtic Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Scottish Premiership fixture between Celtic and Livingston.
Celtic vs Livingston: Preview
Celtic form analysis
The Bhoys have experienced inconsistent form in recent Scottish Premiership matches, recording two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five games. On 25th November, the Hoops were held to a frustrating 1-1 home draw by Motherwell despite dominating, only securing a point through a late Daizen Maeda penalty. Celtic responded by coming from behind to beat St Johnstone 3-1 away, overturning Daniel Johnson’s first half opener with goals from Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and James Forrest. Brendan Rodger’s side followed that up with an emphatic 4-1 home win over Hibernian, powered by a brace from South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu and further strikes from O’Riley and Luis Palma’s penalty.
However, Celtic then suffered a surprise 2-1 loss away at struggling Kilmarnock, with O’Riley’s opener overturned by two deflected late goals. Most recently, the Bhoys fell to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Hearts, making a slow start and never recovering after Liam Boyce and Stephen Kingsley netted within the opening half hour for the visitors. Overall, Celtic’s form has peaked and troughed, excelling in some games but struggling to replicate high intensity performances week-to-week.
Livingston form analysis
Livingston have struggled for form recently, suffering three defeats and a draw in their last four Scottish Premiership matches. On 12th November, they lost 2-0 at home to Rangers despite a spirited display. A 1-0 loss then followed away to St Mirren on 25th November courtesy of an unfortunate own goal. Livingston were again narrowly beaten in their next match, going down 1-0 at home to Hibernian after Martin Boyle’s 28th minute strike. Most recently on 16th December, Livingston recorded their only point from this four-game stretch after holding Kilmarnock to a goalless draw.
With only one goal scored compared to five conceded in their past four games, Livingston’s main issues have been in attack and converting chances into goals. Tightening up defensively could also help them turn narrow defeats into hard-fought draws or wins.
