JiddyCeltic, looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to major city rivals, Rangers, come in to this league cup meeting against St. Johnstone with a relatively poor recent track record in the competition. In 2006 The Hoops bowed out early to Falkirk on penalties when Evander Sno failed to convert his kick. In the 2007-2008 season, Celtic were again toppled at home in the quarters finals. This time a 2-0 defeat against Hearts saw Andrius Velicka score a stunning double to send Gordon Strachans side spinning out without as much as a whimper. But after an enthralling 11-10 penalties victory against Dundee United at Hampden, Celtic clicnched League Cup glory agasint bitter rivals Rangers with Darren O'Dea and Aiden McGeady both getting on the scoresheet in extra time. However, it was back to normality for new manager Tony Mowbray when a Michael Stewart penalty slipped underneath Lukasz Zaluska to give The Jambos their second League Cup win at Celtic Park in their last two attemps.

So that's Celtic's track record, St. Johnstone come in to this reaching the semi-finals in 2006-2007, where they were eventually beaten by champions Hibs . It would be wise to note they also turned over Rangers comfortabely at Ibrox in the same year, all but ending Paul Le Guens stint at the helm. 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 didn't quite hold those kind of joys as they were beaten in the earlier rounds by Partick Thistle and Livingston. But it was the Semi-Finals again in 2009-2010 as Rangers dispatched of St. Johnstone with relative ease.

So as two time finalists St. Johnstone host 14 time winners Celtic, how does both their form look going in to the tie? Well, St. Johnstone would be sitting third in the home form guide this season with two wins and two defeats. And they'd be third only to undefeated Rangers and once beaten Celtic. Celtic go in to this game raw after their 3-1 defeat to Rangers but the positive for Neil Lennons men is that they haven't even dropped a single point in the league away from home. Notching up important victories against Motherwell and Dundee United.

St. Johnstone are unbeaten in their last three outings and won their last two games so they'll be fairly confident they could advance in the competition. The worrying thing for St. Johnstone will be their lack of goals. They are currently only the 10th most prolific side in the SPL and to beat either side of the Old Firm, you really need to take your chances. Will Neil Lennon rest some of his key men ahead of another trip to Perth on Saturday? I'd think not. Celtic need this win.

Best Match Odds : St Johnstone - 15/2 with Victor Chandler. Celtic - 4/9 with PaddyPower & William Hills. And the draw is priced best at 15/4 with Victor Chandler.
I fancy Celtic to knick this by the odd goal and I can't see too many goals being scored tonight. 2-1 or 1-0 to Celtic for me ...

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27.10.2010