Team News: O’Neill makes six changes with the Ox named as a substitute

Martin O’Neill has made six changes to the Celtic side that started the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee for tonight’s match against Livingston.

As expected Kasper Schmeichel replaces Viljami Sinisalo in goals. Marcelo Saracchi comes in at left-back in the only defensive change.

Arne Engels and Ben Nygren come into the midfield, replacing Paolo Bernardo and Reo Hatate. The former Benfica man doesn’t make it onto the bench.

On the wings Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti are supporting Tomas Cvancara.

Saturday’s goal hero Junior Adamu has to settle for a place on the bench. Kelechi Iheanacho and Yang Hyun-jun aren’t among the subs.

New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t played since May but is listed among nine substitutes.

O’NEILL’S TITLE CHASE

Under David Martindale Livingston have already lost 3-0 and 4-2 to Celtic.

That first defeat was under Brendan Rodgers with the other that rarity, a Celtic win under Wilfried Nancy.

Ben Nygren scored twice in each of those matches, confirming his status as Celtic’s chief scoring threat.

Now O’Neill picks up the baton knowing that there is virtually no room for error if Celtic are to stay in contention for the SPFL title.

Hearts are nine points clear of Celtic, having two games in hand isn’t the same as putting six points in the bag.

After three home draws against Dundee and St Mirren twice Livingston have lost their last three matches- against Aberdeen, Motherwell and Falkirk.

That leaves them detached by six points at the bottom of the SPFL Premiership and staring at an instant return to the Championship.

Calum Scott will referee tonight’s match with Chris Graham on VAR.

On Sunday Celtic are away to Kilmarnock in the SPFL Premiership.

CELTIC: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi; McGregor, Nygren, Engels; Maeda, Cavancara, Tounekti

SUBS: Sinisalo, Adamu, McCowan, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Athur, Forrest, Donovan, Tierney