Celtic hit the road again tomorrow, heading for St Johnstone after a burst of three home wins in eight days.
It’s generally accepted that if Celtic are to lose their unbeaten record it will be away from home with McDiarmid Park as likely a venue as any.
Earlier in the season Celtic won 4-2 against St Johnstone in a game of contrasts, racing into a 3-0 lead then being pulled back to 3-2 late in the match.
St Johnstone were at Celtic Park ten days ago and it made things difficult, strangely an away fixture looks more straightforward with an onus on the home side to push forward.
Every match until the title is won is going to have a cup tie atmosphere but as they’ve shown all season Brendan Rodgers’ side can adapt to the circumstances and come away with full points.
St Johnstone have their own targets to aim for and are virtually neck and neck with Hearts in third place with Tommy Wright being acknowledged as one of the most astute managers in the SPFL.
Celtic are strong favourites going into the match and should have more than enough on the pitch and on the bench to take the unbeaten domestic run onto 29 matches.
CRAIG GORDON
The window has closed and he’s still at Celtic, gloves on and facing upto St Johnstone.
Apart from the monthly charge out of his penalty box Gordon has barely put a foot wrong since returning to the team.
The central defensive partnership changes on a regular basis but there’s continuity at the back with Gordon’s game improving at the age of 23.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Played in a more central role against Aberdeen and is under real pressure for his place from Cristian Gamboa.
With a new contract secured Celtic can enjoy the benefits of Lustig’s experience as he enjoys a new style of playing under a manager who understands the sharp end of the business.
He’ll be looking to impress and nail down his place with history in sight.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
This will be his fourth match in 12 days which should answer the question marks about his fitness.
Clean sheets in three consecutive matches have suggested that his partnership with Dedryck Boyata has plenty of potential.
Another clean sheet and 90 minutes will go down nicely- with three more points for the collection.
DEDRYCK BOYATA
Celtic’s top scorer in 2017 alongside Scott Sinclair. Who’d have thought it.
This could be one of the biggest stories of the season if he maintains his form and place in the team.
It’s not about his welcome goals, his composure in defence now looks to be an asset whereas last season it was a liability and sign of weakness.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Has returned to the team without a glitch, showing the same impressive, improving form that makes him one of the first picks in Brendan Rodgers side.
He should be tested defensively but will play a big part in Celtic’s forward play, apparently effortlessly he links up with Scott Sinclair as a major creator of chances.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper shows no signs of letting up and gets that message across to his team-mates.
The Scotland issue will be soon be resurfacing with few Celtic fans wanting to see the midfielder distracted by meaningless international issues.
On his game, as he has been all season, Brown is the driving force of the Celtic side with every aspect of his game improved on from last season.
NIR BITTON
Without much attention or fanfare the Israeli has returned to favour and put in impressive, purposeful performances against Hearts and Aberdeen.
Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor and Kouassi Eboue are all looking for a place in Bitton’s position which leaves no room for error.
St Johnstone should provide a tougher test than Aberdeen or Hearts which gives Bitton the opportunity to highlight his defensive strengths.
PATRICK ROBERTS
I think that he’s done enough recently to edge James Forrest out of the side.
Rodgers is utterly ruthless with his team selections, ask Erik Sviatchenko, with Roberts providing more of a threat than Forrest over the last few games.
An away game gives Roberts greater scope to impress as he exploits space and opponents under some obligation to push forward.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Called in at the last minute against Hearts and turned in two impressive performances against the Jambos and Aberdeen.
He can play in any midfield position and carries the bonus of a real goal threat.
With Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic about to return the competition for places is about to be cranked up with McGregor knowing what is required to retain the jersey.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Has suffered some heavy punishment from opponents in recent matches as they realise that there isn’t a fair way to stop the former Aston Villa man.
Without Dembele there has been extra onus on Sinclair to come up with goals and he hasn’t disappointed.
His partnership with Kieran Tierney is likely to be Celtic’s main attacking outlet and has rarely had an off day since the pair were put together.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
After the midweek panic the player will be as pleased as any Celtic fan to get his boots back on.
His form dipped during December but he signed off in style with a powerful, dominating display at Ibrox highlighted by a goal and expert demonstration of how to run the clock down at corners.
Rodgers will be pleased to have him back for selection and work further on the progress made in the first half of the season.