Celtic fans are anxious ahead of Sunday’s game against Livingston. It’s little wonder looking at the two clubs head to head since Livingston returned to top flight football in 2018.
Celtic haven’t beat Livingston in two attempts this season. A draw at Celtic Park and a defeat at the Tony Macaroni stadium has consigned Celtic to just one point out of six against David Martindale’s side.
Since 2018, the clubs have played each other 12 times; Celtic have won 4, drawn 6 and lost on 2 occasions.
Livingston’s ultra-defensive, park the bus style has worked well over the years and they continue to frustrate the Hoops.
It’s up to Ange Postecoglou to change this and get Celtic’s first win at Livingston in well over ten years.
Celtic’s ability to break down teams with extreme low blocks can vary. They have been getting better at it, but Hibernian managed to get a point out of the game last Sunday through sitting back and becoming human shields.
The opposition tactic of sitting in with no real intention of trying to score means Celtic have to find space where there’s very little.
An early goal is vital. Should Celtic get one ahead in the first 15 minutes, there will be more impetus on Livingston to come out. If we come out slowly and allow them to settle into their default mode, it could be a long day with title ramifications.
I think fans would be more confident of going into a game at Ibrox right now than Livingston, which is crazy on the face of it, but the head to head proves this game is Celtic’s kryptonite.
The positive for Celtic is they have only dropped 2 points since the start of 2022. They have enough talent, but can they grind this one out?
It’s absolutely imperative that we pick up all three points at Livingston