Celtic have won each of their last nine encounters with Livingston, scoring 26 times, while Livi's sole victory across their last 17 meetings was a 1-0 victory at Almondvale in September 2021, coming at the start of Ange Postecoglou's tenure.
Livingston vs Celtic preview
Hold the back page! Hold the front page! Oh, and while you're at it, hold all the middle ones as well... Celtic have won a football match! Never before had a Celtic manager lost their first two matches in charge, so to say it was far from ideal that Wilfried Nancy lost his first four at the helm would be a major understatement. These defeats were a top of the table clash against Hearts, a Europa League annihilation at the hands of Roma, 3-0 down by half time, the League Cup Final against St Mirren and then a miserable night against Dundee United, after which supporters really started to turn.
Thus, it was critical that Nancy's side beat Aberdeen last Sunday and they did, albeit only just. Facing a Dons side down to ten-men, Celtic accumulated an xG of 3.73, had 31 shots, of which ten were on target, and created eight big chances. Despite all of that, Aberdeen somehow equalised with 15 minutes to play, only for late goals from Kieran Tierney and then James Forrest to snatch victory. All of this leaves the four in a row champions six points adrift leaders Hearts, with a game in hand too, so this season is very much salvageable. Nevertheless, with a trip to Fir Park on Tuesday followed by the small matters of an Old Firm next Saturday, it is vitally important that Celtic collect three points here.
As for Livingston, after beating Partick Thistle and then Ross County in May's play-offs, they are back in the Premiership this season, but it may not be an elongated return. David Martindale's team spent Christmas day at the foot of the table, having won only once all season, accumulating only nine points, albeit they are only three behind Kilmarnock and just four adrift Dundee and safety.
Amazingly, the Lions' sole victory came against Falkirk in August, thereby without a win in 15, most-recently beaten 1-0 by St Mirren in Paisley a week ago. Thus, Livi are far from destined for the drop just yet, albeit it would be one of the biggest upsets in Scottish football history if they won this one; for that reason, you surely can't rule it out this season of all seasons!
Livingston vs Celtic head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 41.
- Livingston Wins: 2. Draws: 7. Celtic Wins: 32.
Livingston team news
David Martindale has signed midfielder Emmanuel Danso from Stabæk this week, an early Christmas present, albeit the Ghanian is not eligible to feature until New Year's Day.
Right-back Cammy Kerr is injured but Adam Montgomery can feature, despite being on loan from Celtic, albeit Cristian Montaño is likely to get the nod at left-wing-back.
Livingston predicted lineup vs Celtic: (5-3-2): Prior, Brenet, Sylla, Finlayson, Wilson, Montaño; Pittman, Tait, May; Yengi, Bokila.
Livingston player to watch vs Celtic
Veteran striker Stevie May has scored only once this season, on target against Kelty Hearts in the League Cup in July, while his only goal in 28 career meetings with Celtic came for Aberdeen on Boxing Day 2018 in a 4-3 defeat.
Celtic team news
Wilfried Nancy has had a full week to work with his players at Lennoxtown for the first time, albeit Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Jota, Callum Osmand and Kelechi Ịheanachọ are all still injured, while Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
So, Johnny Kenny is likely to once again lead the line, with James Forrest' goal against Aberdeen potentially potentially set to see him start over Yang Hyun-jun as a makeshift wing-back.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Livingston: (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Tierney; Forrest, McGregor, Engels, McCowan; Nygren, Maeda, Kenny.
Celtic player to watch vs Livingston
Daizen Maeda slotted home his seventh of the season at Tannadice, while he has scored six in seven against Livingston, including a League Cup hat-trick in March 2024.
Livingston vs Celtic prediction
We cannot see beyond a high-scoring Celtic victory at Almondvale on Saturday, likely to swat struggling Livingston aside, thereby keeping pace with leaders Hearts: Livingston 1-3 Celtic.
Livingston vs Celtic FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Livingston vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Livingston vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Football & Ultra HD.
- USA: CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
- Australia: beIN Sports 1
How to watch Livingston vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Livingston vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect
What is the date and kick-off time for Livingston vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership?
Livingston vs Celtic takes place on Saturday 27 December 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PT).