Livingston vs Celtic: Starting line-ups named for Premiership clash

The Hoops are aiming to take back top spot as struggling Livi fight for survival.

Livingston vs Celtic: Martindale and Rodgers name starting teams for Premiership clashSNS Group

David Martindale and Brendan Rodgers have named their starting teams for Sunday’s Premiership clash at Almondvale.

Both sides have ambitions at the opposite ends of the table with bottom side Livingston fighting for survival and second placed Celtic in a title race with city-rivals Rangers.

There are two points separating the big two at the summit with eight games, including two Old Firm derbies, remaining following the Ibrox side’s 3-1 victory over Hibs on Saturday.

But the Hoops have the chance to go into next week’s derby at the top of the pile if they can take all three points against Martindale’s men.

Livingston on the other hand are ten points adrift at the bottom and will be hoping they can cut that gap 11th placed Ross County.

They only have one win in their last 22 league games but put would have took some confidence from a spirited performance at Celtic Park in the Scottish Cup when Rodgers’ side scored two late goals to win 4-2 earlier this month.

Japan midfielder Reo Hatate has returned from injury and starts for the visitors but inspirational captain Callum McGregor is still missing.

The home side start with Shamal George behind Michael Devlin, Sean Kelly, Ayo Obileye, Michael Nottingham, Jamie Brandon, Scott Pittman, Stephen Kelly, Jason Holt, Steven Bradley and Tete Yengi.

Rodgers has Joe Hart in goals with a four man defence of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor.

A midfield trio of Tomoki Iwata, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate will be supporting a front three of Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo Furuhashi.

Tributes will be held during the game for a teenage Livingston fan following his death at the age of 18.

A minute’s applause will take place on the 18th minute in memory of Almondvale season ticket holder Kieran Airns.

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