Celtic v St Mirren: Predicted XI with CCV returning, Bernardo role & Nawrocki poser | OneFootball

Celtic face St Mirren this afternoon in the final Scottish Premiership game of the season. Brendan Rodgers’ side impressed midweek as a heavily rotated Celtic side thumped Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Today is a day to recognise the fine work by the club over the last campaign and relish another trophy. However, with next weekend’s rematch in the Scottish Cup Final, the managed and his players will be eager to put on a show and continue their momentum into the next game.

Brendan will have his team in mind and will likely be ant to return to a more recognised starting XI, with Hampden in mind.

Kasper Schmeichel is expected to return to the squad despite another capable showing from Vil Sinisalo at Pittodrie. The No.1 will be eager to get fully back into the swing of things ahead of Hampden next weekend.

Greg Taylor is expected to start at left back. Alistair Johnston will likely come back into the team at right back and probably play the first hour. Cameron Carter-Vickers is available for selection again after missing the last two games with a hamstring concern. Much like AJ, the USA Internationalist will probably play the first hour before being replaced. Maik Nawrocki may feel hard done by if he doesn’t start given that he impressed in the North East. Liam Scales will likely come in to partner CCV. There is an argument that Nawrocki has played himself up the pecking order, certainly as the right sided central defender behind CCV. It remains to be seen if he’ll get any minutes.

Maik Nawrocki in the Celtic celebrations. Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

In the midfield, Hatate’s injury opens up a space alongside Callum McGregor and Arne Engels. Paulo Bernardo is most likely to step into the third midfield slot but there’s a strong argument for Luke McCowan, who impressed midweek. McCowan scored and assisted and is a left footer, which would make him almost like for like to Hatate.

Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda will likely come back into the starting XI with James Forrest remaining. The most-decorated Celt is finding a goal to make it 16 successive campaigns in which he’s found the net.