LIVINGSTON did Celtic a favour by claiming a draw at Ibrox last weekend but will now be out to damage the title hopes of Ange Postecoglou's side when the champions come calling.
That shock 1-1 stalemate against Rangers allowed the Hoops to open up a four-point lead at the top after they edged out Hearts in a 4-3 thriller at Tynecastle, a game where my goals bet landed.
But the Hoops now have another tough away day, having slipped up repeatedly on Livingston's plastic pitch in the last few seasons. With this game falling after a disappointing Champions League stalemate with Shakhtar, it's a potential banana skin for Celtic.
Postecoglou's side lost 2-0 at St Mirren after their last Euro clash with the Ukrainians and David Martindale will use the Buddies blueprint as he bids to mastermind another shock.
The Parkhead boss will be confident he has enough firepower to see off the Lions, having watched his side score 14 goals in their last three domestic games.
However, Livingston are always a tough nut to crack and Martindale has made a habit of upsetting the odds. His side are constantly written off yet Livi head into this round of fixtures sitting inside the top six and look set to mount a challenge for another top-half finish.
How the bookies view it
Livingston have been a bogey team for Celtic but the bookies are still writing them off with the Lions as big as 11/1 with William Hill. Celtic's best price is a tiny 8/25 at Unibet while the draw pays 9/2 with Coral.
Recent head to head
The Tony Macaroni hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Celtic and they've won just once on their last six visits. That victory came on their last trip to West Lothian in a 3-1 victory back in March but Livingston won 1-0 in their first clash at the Tony Macaroni last term.
Players to watch
James Forrest has scored four times in his last two Premiership outings and I'd expect the winger to start here after coming off the bench in midweek. He also netted in that 3-1 win in Livingston last term and is 23/10 at Paddy Power to repeat the trick.
Jon Nouble has ruffled Rangers this season, netting in both games against them, and could get some joy against Celtic's defence. The target man is 5/1 with Betfred for a goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Livingston usually try to park the bus when Celtic come calling and it could be a game of patience for Postecoglou's side. Backing most goals to come after the break pays 21/20 at McBookie.
With Livi probably defending deep, we could see Postecoglou's side rack up the corners. They averaged nine across their two visits last season and over 7.5 Hoops corners pays evens at Bet365 here. The same firm also price a corner before the seventh minute at 5/6.
Most of Celtic's attacks come down the flanks and that makes Livingston's full-backs good candidates for a card. Sean Kelly has been booked in both meetings with Rangers this season and looks overpriced at 4/1 with Bet365 for another card.
This Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic will be played on Oct 30, 2022 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Livingston vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
