Joshua Granger

Image:Joshua Granger

The Hoops are looking to keep pace with Hearts as they face Livingston tonight at Celtic Park

Celtic are looking to stay in the title race, as bottom-of-the-table Livi visit Parkhead in another must-win game. Martin O’Neil’s side come into tonight’s match after booking their place in the  Scottish Cup Quarter Final with a dramatic 2-1 extra time win over  Dundee.

Livingston have struggled on their return to the Premiership, picking up only 11 points this season. The Lions have not picked up three points since a 3-1 win over Falkirk in August.

 This horrendous run of form has led to a change in the dugout at Livingston, with assistant Marvin Bartley taking over managerial duties for the first time tonight after taking over from David Martindale, who has now moved upstairs to a Director of Football role.

Other fixtures could play a significant role in both teams’ ambitions. Celtic fans will be keeping an eye on proceedings as fellow title rivals Rangers  face a tough trip to play Motherwell at Fir Park while Livingston will be keeping an eye on Rugby Park as Kilmarnock face St Mirren.

Celtic will be hoping their new signings can hit the ground running ahead of a challenging run of fixtures, which includes a Europa League tie against Stuttgart in February and two derbies in March.

Kieran Tierney is fine for tonight’s game after Martin O’Neill confirmed the Scottish defender is fit after the injury he sustained against Dundee.

O’Neil also confirmed that the new signing, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, could feature this evening after the Premier League winner signed for The Hoops on Saturday.

It is sure to be a massive night for teams at both ends of the league, with Livingston needing every point to stay in the division, while Celtic will want to put a run of wins together and keep pace in the title race.