Livingston vs Celtic Prediction & Betting Tips (27 December)

Livingston approach this clash under considerable pressure, having struggled through recent Premiership fixtures and remaining anchored near the bottom of the table. Their defensive issues have been highlighted repeatedly, including in matches such as the defeat to Motherwell, where they again conceded multiple chancesSky Sports. The club has also been in the news due to their ongoing relegation concerns, with recent previews noting how often they have shipped goals and how difficult it has been for them to generate consistent attacking momentumSports Mole. Despite these challenges, Livingston typically raise their intensity at home, especially when facing one of the league’s giants, and they will hope that familiarity with their surface and environment can help narrow the gap.

Celtic, meanwhile, enter the fixture surrounded by significant headlines, particularly regarding managerial scrutiny. Reports over the past two months have detailed how Wilfried Nancy, newly appointed in December, has been under pressure after losing his opening four matches in charge, with suggestions that he must win upcoming games to secure his positionFootball Insider. On the pitch, Celtic have shown flashes of their usual dominance, including a strong win over Aberdeen in late DecemberCelts Are Here and earlier victories such as the 3–0 triumph over Livingston in April 2024Sky Sports. Their squad depth continues to be a major advantage, allowing them to rotate effectively while maintaining a high level of performance.

Recent matchups between the sides also add context to this meeting. Celtic have historically controlled this fixture, with their most recent encounters producing comfortable wins, including a 3–0 result in August 2025 where they fielded a rotated lineup yet still dictated the match from start to finishceltic365.com. Livingston, on the other hand, have struggled to impose themselves in these head‑to‑head contests, often finding themselves pinned back for long stretches. Their recent league form, including a difficult outing against Dundee and a narrow loss to St Mirren, reflects a team fighting to stay competitive while dealing with structural issues that have persisted throughout the seasonSky Sports+1.

Taking all factors into account—the contrasting form, the managerial pressure surrounding Celtic, the defensive vulnerabilities of Livingston, and the historical pattern of this fixture—the prediction leans toward another Celtic victory. Livingston may find moments of resistance, especially early on, but Celtic’s attacking quality and squad depth should ultimately separate the sides