CELTIC have paid the price for poor finishing in their last two Champions League outings and St Mirren will be hoping that profligacy continues when the SPFL Premiership champions return to domestic duties in Paisley.
After taking plaudits in a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Parkhead, the Hoops got off the mark in Group F as they collected a point against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw on Wednesday.
All my tips came up on a great night of Old Firm Euro action for me but Ange Postecoglou's side will be disappointed they didn't collect full points, having dominated the Ukrainians for most of the night.
It's now back to their bread and butter and Celtic will be desperate to head into the international break with their five-point lead at the top intact.
They haven't put a foot wrong in the Premiership so far, racking up six successive wins while scoring 25 times and conceding just once.
But St Mirren will be looking to take advantage of any European hangover as they bid to continue a decent start to the campaign under Stephen Robinson.
The Buddies crashed 3-0 at St Johnstone last time out but that came off the back of three successive victories and the former Motherwell gaffer looks to have assembled a decent squad.
How the bookies view it
With Celtic in such impressive domestic form, it's no surprise to see them as hot favourites here, with their best price just 1/5 at Betfred. St Mirren can be backed at a whopping 16/1 (Ladbrokes) while the draw pays 6/1 with SkyBet.
Recent head to head
St Mirren held Celtic to a 0-0 draw when Postecoglou's side last came calling, despite the Buddies squad being decimated during a Covid outbreak. They also claimed a memorable 2-1 Parkhead win two seasons ago but the Hoops have still won nine of the last 11 meetings.
Players to watch
Celtic are at their most vulnerable on the counter attack so the pace of Jonah Ayunga could be St Mirren's best hope of a shock. The striker has netted five times already this season and is 5/1 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
I'd expect Postecoglou to freshen things up after Celtic's midweek trip to Poland and Liel Abada could start down the right after a brief cameo off the bench on Wednesday. The Israeli has five goals in his last two domestic games and is 6/4 at Paddy Power to add another to his tally here.
Anything else catch the eye?
Postecoglou's side have been flying out the traps in recent weeks with early goals in six of their last seven outings. But I've a feeling St Mirren will park the bus and frustrate the Hoops early on here so I'm backing most goals to come after the break at 20/21 with McBookie.
Backing the champions for corners usually pays off and Celtic -5 pays 11/10 with Bet365 in the handicap. Over five first-half corners also appeals and that's the same price with the same firm.
The Buddies collected five yellows in their last outing and it could be wise to back their players for more cards against Celtic. Declan Gallagher has two yellows and a red so far and is a tempting 13/5 at Bet365 for a card here.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Celtic will be played on Sep 18, 2022 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best St Mirren vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
