SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) takes a look at Wednesday night's showdown between Livingston and Celtic.
Livingston vs Celtic | Sunday 17th January 2021, 20:15 | Sky Sports
An interesting game awaits us, weather permitting. We have Neil Lennon, after his controversial press conference, bringing his Celtic squad to the Tony Macaroni.
Facing up to the Hoops for the second time in five days, are Livingston who are nine games undefeated (W8 D1) under David Martindale. In fact, a measure of the mindset of the West Lothian side, was their disappointment to only pick up one point at the weekend at Parkhead.
The visitors however, should be able to field a much stronger starting line-up, as players come out of the post-Dubai isolation. Though most of them won't have played for almost three weeks – since the 1-0 defeat at Ibrox at New Year.
Based on Livi's recent form, and the decent recent home record they have against the ‘Tic(unbeaten in last three) – the 4/1 on Martindale's men does seem a bit big. Especially when you also compare both teams points haul in the last 9 matches: Livingston 20/27, Celtic 16/27.
Willie Collum oversees this one, and a couple of players prices stand out for a card.
Marvin Bartley has been booked in 7/13 of his recent league matches. He also was booked in the Collum-officiated home 2-2 draw with Celtic in March. Given these stats, I'm more than happy to take him to be carded at SkyBet’s 2/1(only 6/4 with Bet365).
The next one is very much a price-play. Callum McGregor's 17/2 seems a bit on the large side. He has been booked in 3/10 of his most recent matches. He looks sure to be scrapping away in the midfield area with Bartley & co.
Finally, Livi's centre-back Jon Guthrie is perhaps worth a speculative punt at 8/1 with Unibet (only 9/2 with most other bookmakers) to score anytime. He bagged 5 league goals in 28 appearances last term, and he has already reached 5 in 22 games thus far.
Three goals in his last 7 means he will be in confident mood against an ever changing Hoops central defence. A back-line that has lost 38% of it's league goals from set pieces.
Best Bets
Livingston vs Celtic – Livingston to win (4/1 Paddy Power)
Livingston vs Celtic – Marvin Bartley to be booked (2/1 SkyBet)
Livingston vs Celtic – Callum McGregor to be booked (17/2 SkyBet)
Livingston vs Celtic – Jon Guthrie to score at anytime (8/1 Unibet)
