Celtic are back in Premiership action this afternoon as they welcome St Mirren to Celtic Park, with Martin O’Neill naming his starting XI for a game that carries massive significance at this stage of the season.

The timing of this one matters. With the split just around the corner, there is no space to ease into games. Celtic come into it off a tight win at Dundee, where the Hoops had to wait late on for the breakthrough, and they now need to follow that up with another three points at home.

5th April 2026; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic shoots and scores in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1

The table keeps the pressure right where it is. Hearts are still ahead and play Motherwell at the same time, while Rangers are not in action until tomorrow. That leaves Celtic with no margin for error. Drop points and they risk falling further behind within hours. Win, and they stay right there going into the split.

St Mirren will make it difficult. They have already shown they can frustrate Celtic this season, sitting deep and keeping their shape. They stay compact and look to break when the chance comes, especially if Celtic push too many forward.

The Dundee match showed both sides of Celtic. The first half had more about it, with the ball moving quicker and spaces starting to open up. After the break, the tempo dropped, with too many touches in midfield slowing things down. It still needed a late moment to get the win.

This one needs that tempo from the start. Move it quickly, shift St Mirren around, and be sharper in the final third. Patience will be needed, but it has to come with intent.

There is also the physical side. The games are stacking up, and with another meeting against St Mirren at Hampden next week, minutes have to be managed. O’Neill’s selection will reflect that need to keep legs fresh without losing rhythm.

There is also an edge to the atmosphere today, with this the first game back for the Green Brigade at Celtic Park in months, something that should lift the tempo early on.

Here is the Celtic starting XI to face St Mirren:

Kick-off is at 3:00pm at Celtic Park, with the match not selected for live television coverage in the UK.