Football Tips: Livingston to frustrate toothless Celtic again on Wednesday

The second time these two have played each other in a few days.

* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

Celtic and Livingston’s 0-0 draw at the weekend was so dull that it seems almost ironically fitting that they have to play each other all over again just four days later. Neil Lennon’s side have unsurprisingly struggled badly since returning from Dubai and any faint hopes that they had of winning a 10th league title in-a-row have surely evaporated after successive home draws against Hibs and Livingston.

Wednesday 8.15pm: Celtic v Livingston
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

Livingston (+1)

In the absence of almost all of their attacking players, it is hardly surprising that Celtic have struggled for goals – and chances – in those two home games and it could very well be a similar story on Wednesday night against an in-form Livingston. Livingston are now unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, including their last seven league games, in a run that has propelled them to fifth place.

They had actually been on a six-game winning run prior to Saturday’s draw with Celtic and will provide a stern challenge for the depleted Glasgow side. Livingston (+1) on the handicap is the way to go.

Under 2.5 Goals

Saturday’s 0-0 draw between these two can hardly be described as a high-octane thriller. Both Celtic and Livingston managed just one shot on target each in an instantly forgettable game.

Celtic are understandably struggling for goals in the absence of Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Ryan Christie among others, and they should find the Livingston defence almost impregnable again here. David Martindale’s side have conceded just three goals in their previous seven league games, keeping four clean sheets, and judging by Saturday’s performance, they are more than capable of making that five out of eight on Wednesday night.

Celtic’s already slack grip on the Scottish Premiership title could become even looser by full-time at the Almondvale Stadium. We’re expecgin another dull affair and Under 2.5 Goals.

Leigh Griffiths

Draw/Draw

Whatever happens on Wednesday, it is highly likely that the sides will go in level at the break. Livingston haven’t gone in behind in any game since November 6, a run of 12 games in competitions.

However, they also very rarely went in ahead in those games, going in level at the break in eight of their last 12 games and going in level in seven of their last eight league games. Celtic, meanwhile, have gone in at 0-0 in four of their last five league games, pointing to another stalemate at the break on Wednesday.

With Celtic struggling for senior players, there is every chance that Wednesday’s game could remain level for the duration making Draw/Draw a good play and causing Celtic to slip to a fourth consecutive game without a win.

Tips for Celtic v Livingston

Livingston (+1)
Under 2.5 Goals
Draw/Draw

* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

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