CELTIC have made heavy weather of defending their SPFL Premiership title but if they win their final five fixtures, starting at home to St Mirren, then they will hold on to their crown.
Like our man Mark, I tipped the Hoops to lose at Ibrox last weekend with Rangers having both momentum and 50,000 fans behind them.
But Brendan Rodgers' men eased into a 2-0 half-time lead and only a controversial VAR-assisted penalty let Rangers back into the game, sparking a comeback that saw a thrilling match eventually finish level at 3-3.
While Rabbi Matondo's stoppage-time equaliser stopped Celtic from moving clear at the top, the destination of the title is still in the champions' hands.
Six wins on the spins will get the job done but it won't be easy with every opponent a tough team after the SPFL Premiership splits in two.
St Mirren booked their place in the top six last weekend, despite losing at home to Hearts, and Stephen Robinson's men are the kind of stuffy side who can cause both sides of the Old Firm problems heading down the home straight.
A place in the top half was the priority for the Buddies and I was thrilled to see them get over the line as that was one of my ante-post Premiership bets. But there's no way they will ease off for the campaign as they still have a chance of qualifying for European football.
How the bookies view it
Celtic are in good form and have key players back fit so it's no surprise to see them as heavy favourites at a best 1/5 with Bet365. St Mirren are as big as 14/1 with William Hill while the draw is also pretty big at 6/1 with the same firm.
Recent head to head
St Mirren have caused Celtic a few problems in the last three seasons, with two draws and a win. But the Hoops have won all three meetings so far this term, including a 2-1 win on St Mirren's last visit.
Players to watch
With Daizen Maeda out injured, Celtic will have to rely on new boy Nicolas Kuhn to continue his good recent form. The German winger has added goals and his assists to his game after a slow start and is 15/8 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Toyosi Olusanya was sent off when the Buddies lost 3-0 to Celtic in Paisley so he will be out to make amends. A goal last weekend made it three strikes in his last five outings and he's 5/1 at Unibet for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing BTTS in St Mirren's last game with the Hoops backfired on me as they drew a blank in that cup tie. But Robinson's side still created lots of chances and they also scored on their last visit to Parkhead. Celtic conceded three last weekend so BTTS might stand a chance here at 21/20 with Unibet.
All three meetings this term have produced a lot of corners, with 13 or more each time, so over 11 flag kicks looks worth a punt at evens with Bet365. The same firm also price over five first-half corners at the same price.
This Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and St Mirren will be played on Apr 13, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs St Mirren prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
