CELTIC will set out to stretch their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership to 18 matches when they meet St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday lunchtime.
After starting the new year with a 2-2 draw at Ibrox against Rangers, Ange Postecoglou's side have triumphed in each of their six subsequent fixtures, the most recent of which was a comfortable 3-0 win over Livingston in midweek.
That sequence of victories means the Hoops have ensured the nine point lead that they hold over their Old Firm rivals has remained intact.
Next up for Celtic in their quest towards what would be an 11th Scottish crown in 12 years is a trip to Perth to take on St Johnstone.
Last time out, Saints snapped a seven-game losing streak by securing a well-deserved 2-0 win away at Motherwell.
That was a timely victory for Callum Davidson's team as it gives them a bit of breathing space to come into this game with, on an afternoon where they will undoubtedly be up against the odds.
Outright Betting
St Johnstone have slumped to defeat in each of their last four home games and the bookies' odds suggest they will suffer the same fate on Sunday, with the hosts huge 16/1 (Ladbrokes) underdogs while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 6/1 (Bet 365).
Celtic, who have avoided defeat in each of their last 24 meetings with St Johnstone, make the trip to McDiarmid Park as lowly 1/5 (Bet 365) favourites.
Betting Angles
I successfully backed Celtic to win, Celtic to take the most corners and Dundee United to receive the most cards last Sunday and I'm more than happy to support the same formula here at 29/20 (UniBet).
As already mentioned, Celtic are currently in the midst of an 18 game undefeated run in the Scottish top-flight, picking up maximum points in a whopping 17 of those matches.
What's more, the Bhoys have made the net bulge at least twice in all but one of those outings, a sample that includes home and away wins over St Johnstone, so I'm more than happy to back the league leaders to pick up another three points in Perth.
With Ange Postecoglou's side expected to enjoy the lion's share of possession, and St Johnstone looking to sit deep and soak up pressure, I'll also back Celtic to hit more corners than their hosts.
Celtic are averaging a league-high 7.54 corners per-game in the Scottish Premiership this season, a figure that increases to 7.75 when playing away from Parkhead.
Given that St Johnstone have averaged a sizeable 2.67 yellow cards per 90 in the top-flight this term, I'll round off the Bet Builder by backing Callum Davidson's side to collect the most cards.
This combination clicked when Saints were on the wrong end of a 2-0 reverse at Rangers last weekend and there is plenty of scope for a repeat on Sunday when the Celtic juggernaut rolls into town.
After tightening his grip at the top of the Scottish Premiership's scoring charts in midweek, I'll also back Kyogo Furuhashi to score at 4/5 (Betfred).
The Japanese goal-getter bagged a brace against St Johnstone just before Christmas and he could get more joy in front of goal here against a side with just four clean sheets to their name all season.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Johnstone and Celtic will be played on Feb 5, 2023 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best St Johnstone vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
