Celtic have been on a dismal run of form recently and they have managed just one goal in their last six hours of football. Whether they are easing off with the title won or pre-party nerves are getting to them doesn't really matter, it seems undeniable that they should be there for the taking on Saturday. Sadly it is much more likely that Saturday will be the day when they break out from their bad run and give us a real pasting. Perhaps if we had a full squad to choose from we would stand more of a chance but what follows makes grim reading.
In addition to the usual absentees - O'Donnell, Lasley and McLean - McCormack and Paterson are ruled out with injury, Graeme Smith is highly doubtful and Paul Keegan is struggling. Oh aye, and as a random act of kindness we have decided to leave our best player and only goal threat out of the side. Maurice Malpas has decided it wouldn't be fair on Scott McDonald or the side to play him against his future employer despite the fact Lee Mair and Kirk Broadfoot will do exactly that for Dundee United and St Mirren this weekend. Does Maurice know best? Hmm.
Anyway, even if we had more than just David Clarkson available it is unlikely we would play anything other than a 4-5-1. Clarkson's running should be quite effective as he acts as the first of eleven defensive players but the wide men in our midfield - Darren Smith and presumably Fitzpatrick on the left - will have to get forward to support him when possible, just to give the defence a break as much as anything else. Vadocz and Kerr are likely to be joined by McGarry or McBride as we look to strangle the life out of their midfield. The defence should be the same as previously with Meldrum probably in for the injured Smith between the sticks. He could be in for a busy day.