Livi’s only win since August hangs over Celtic

Livingston pitch up at Celtic Park tomorrow with only one win and two draws from their 10 outings since August.  That victory came against the champions last month and is the principle reason we are not comfortably ahead at the top of the league table.  We owe them a backlash, Ryan Christie, in particular, may feel motivated to ensure no mistakes are made this time.

For all their indifferent form, they are strong defensively, having lost more than two goals in one game only once in 19 outings (a 3-1 defeat with 10 men at Ibrox).

Recent home games against Motherwell, St Mirren and Ross County saw Celtic swamp the opposition early on, before the tide was stemmed, with each game not being put to bed until the second half.  This is as much about energy as any assimilation requirements by opposing defenders.

We will start sharply tomorrow but it is only possible to maintain that level for so long before players begin to pace themselves.  An early goal, when Livingston are still chasing shadows, would take the stress out of the second half.