Celtic go into the game with a few additional injury worries. Boyata (hamstring) is out after being substituted against Hearts. He will be out for around 1-3 weeks. Stuart Armstrong (back) is also out of the match as he has failed to recover from a back injury, but is expected to be back for the next game.
In more important news, Griffiths is said to have recovered from his injury and is now available again for selection. Scott Brown, Saidy Janko and Charlie Mulgrew all remain out long term. Kris Commons could be available for selection again after recovering from a knock.
Aberdeen again failed to go top of the league during the week when they were held at home to Partick, as they played out a 0-0 draw. Celtic are now top on goal difference, but have got 2 games in hand. Aberdeen travel to Perth on Sunday, to play St. Johnstone.
PREDICTED XI
This part of the article will be very similar to the Dundee match preview since the game was only postponed. Always repeating myself for the defensive back four, but it simply has to remain the same in order to gain experience. Minus forced changes of course. Boyata is out as mentioned above and will be replaced by Ambrose. The other three should remain the same. Izaguirre could replace Tierney as Ronny likes to give them a game on game off.
The two defensive midfielders should remain the same with Bitton and Johansen. Johansen really isn’t performing at the moment but there’s nobody else really available to step in, possibly Allan if Ronny will actually give him a game.
The front three in the midfield line will change slightly with Armstrong missing out and the possible return of Commons. Expect McGregor to keep his place in the team after impressing of late. Commons probably won’t be risked from the start but could come off the bench if fit. Forrest and Rogic to start alongside McGregor.
Up front we are really missing the main man Griffiths. But the news that he could be available again is very welcoming. If he is fit and ready to go he will start. Ciftci just doesn’t look like he’s going to make it at a club like Celtic. He does try, you can see that, but questions are still there. Hopefully he can prove me and many more wrong. Cole will come off the bench if required.
PREVIEW
In the last 5 head to head meetings between both clubs, Celtic have won all 5 of them by an aggregate scoreline of 14-0.
In the last 5 head to heads between both at Celtic Park, Celtic have won all 5 of them, by an aggregate score line of 13-1.
Partick Thistle are the in-form team in the league at the moment, having won 4 of their last 5 games. Away from home they have won 3 of their last 5 games, drawing the other 2.
In the last 18 matches between the clubs, Celtic have won all 18 of them.
You have to go back to May 1995 to find the last time Partick beat Celtic, a 3-1 win at Celtic Park.
In all fixtures between the clubs, Celtic have won 19 out of 22 matches, drawing 2 and losing 1.
BETTING TIP
The midweek game against Dundee was postponed thereofre all bets would be voided if put on. Onto the game against Partick and bets are as follows:
Celtic to win and over 3.5 goals at 6/4.
Griffiths to score 2 or more goals at 7/4. Wait for team news to see if he starts.
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