As things stand Celtic are 4 points behind Rangers and level on games played so every games is crucial. They are 3 – 2 down from the first leg of the champions league tie against Barca so progress there is probably dead and buried. What im getting at here is that the League is now their priority and they will treat every game with the fullest of attention. I had taken them on Sunday to beat the 1.25 handicap against St Mirren but they failed. Maybe it was too soon after the Barca game but they looked a bit tired and were lucky to win with a late goal from Nakamura.

Their home form has been very good with 9 wins from 12 and with a goal difference reading 32 scored to only 2 conceded. McManus, Wilson and Kennedy are out for this game but Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is available and is expected to make the starting 11.

Inverness have been something of a bogey team for Celtic in the past and had a resounding 3 – 2 win over the Hoops back in December. However that was at home, take Inverness on the road and they are not so effective having tasted defeat 9 times. Celtic have already beat Inverness 5 – 0 at Parkhead in September. The away side are not in the best of form lately and have only registered a single win in 2008. Apart from David Proctor being a slight concern, Inverness have a full team to pick from.

Verdict

Celtic left it late on Sunday evening and I can’t see them being so sloppy in front of their home fans. Rangers face a tricky tie away to Hearts so a win here is a must. As I mentioned before Inverness have often upset Celtic but the stakes are high here and I can only see a comfortable win for the home side. With a goalscoring record of + 30 goals in 12 games at Parkhead im confident they can beat the handicap too.

I dont expect this price to be still around come kick off.

Pick : Home -1.75
Odds : 1.94
Stake : 9 / 10
Bookmaker : Ladbrokes
Match Result : 2-1
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