Celtic vs Livingston Prediction: Back the Bhoys on the handicap at home

Scottish Premiership Celtic enjoy home advantage for the second time this week and the third match in a row when hosting Livingston. The Bhoys enter on the back of Wednesday’s disappointing Champions League playoff with Kairat, meaning Brendan Rodgers is likely to change things up.

Betfred’s Scottish football writer Frank Monkhouse believes that the home side will bounce back as he offers his Celtic vs Livingston Predictions in his match preview here on Betfred Insights...

*You can check out all of the Football Odds from the plethora of games available to bet on over on betfred.com

The Premiership returns to Glasgow following a dramatic midweek of Champions League action in the city. Celtic enjoy home advantage over the recently promoted Livingston as the locals target a win that would maintain their 100% start to the season. W

ith two victories, six points on the board, three goals scored, and zero conceded, the champions are in good shape domestically. They’re also firm favourites in the pre-match betting against the Lions.

Livingston travel from West Lothian as the underdogs, but David Martindale’s team have reason to be confident. Like their hosts, Livi are unbeaten in two starts, marking their return to the top tier by claiming four of the six points available.

An upset on Saturday would blow the division wide open, reminding fans we can take nothing for granted at this level. The visitors have scored two goals more than their opponents, but can they derail the Hoops?

Celtic vs Livingston Odds

Celtic enter matchday three of the Scottish Premiership season sitting second in the table. They have only Hearts above them in the pecking order, with the Jambos boasting a superior goal difference.

Rodgers needs reinforcements before the end of the transfer window as he hunts for a squad that can compete in Europe and domestically. Despite coming through a challenging 90 minutes just three days ago, the home team is expected to prevail. You can back Celtic in the match-winner market at odds of 1/6. 

Most pundits expected Livingston to struggle back in the Premiership. The team from Almondvale finished second in the Championship last season, gaining promotion through the playoffs.

Can they hold their own with the best in the country? They lost 2-0 when last visiting Celtic Park on league duty, and Betfred traders expect Livi to leave empty-handed again on Saturday afternoon. If you expect a European hangover and fancy Livingston to spring a surprise, you can back the away win at 14/1 or try the draw at 7/1.

Celtic -1 handicap

Our first bet in Glasgow’s East End is on the hosts to boost their tally by another three points. The odds available in the match-winner betting market are best suited to stacked accumulators, but there’s value available to those willing to work for it.

With that in mind, we approach this match from another angle, using the specials to gain an advantage. Celtic -1 goal on the handicap is our confident call here, hoping the home team have recovered from midweek and are ready to put on a show for their supporters.

The head-to-head stats show backing Celtic -1 on the handicap would’ve earned you a profit in each of the last five meetings, including 4-2, 2-0, and 3-0 home wins.

It was also the correct approach when Celtic beat Falkirk 4-1 here in the League Cup last weekend and the 2-0 victory achieved at Pittodrie in their most recent league start. Back Celtic -1 and hope the favourites are firing on all cylinders as match fitness and sharpness slowly return.

Maeda to score first

Our second pick at Celtic Park has better odds attached, as we bet on Daizen Maeda to open the scoring. The 27-year-old Japanese forward heads into this match in good form, having scored against Falkirk here last weekend.

He’s attracting the attention of some big clubs in England and across Europe, with fans hoping the Hoops can hold onto their prized asset. Another league goal would help boost his stock further.

The stats show Maeda scored three of his team’s four goals when they last welcomed Livingston, with Kyogo claiming the other in a memorable 4-2 victory.

Going back further, we see Daizen has scored five goals in five games against Livingston, and that adds confidence to both our picks. Maeda will lead the line on Saturday and has the confidence in his work to ensure another successful afternoon.

Mystery Free Spins Offer:

What’s the only thing better than slots Free Spins? No deposit Free Spins, with no wagering requirements, that is what!

Opt in for the chance to win daily Free Spins prizes to play on our superb Casino Slots.

All you need to do is opt-in via the banner below, then open a Casino game every day for your chance to win up to 50 Free Spins. How many will you get? That’s the mystery!

Frank Monkhouse Scottish Football P/L

25/26 Season:

• Points Placed: 23
• Points Returned: 12.27
• P/L: -11.73

24/25 Season:

• Points Placed: 257
• Points Returned: 252.25
• P/L: -4.75

Frank Monkhouse covers Scottish Football for us here at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his work along with that of the rest of our Football Betting Tips desk on our main Football page...