This fixture was called off several times due to adverse weather conditions, so everybody will be happy to finally see the two teams in action. Celtic can make a giant step towards the SPL title by winning this game, whereas Inverness will be looking to do Rangers a favour and take at least one point off the Bhoys.

Inverness pretty inconsistent

Inverness Caley Thistle have done pretty well since gaining promotion to the Scottish Premier League and they only missed out on the championship group because of the very poor run in the end of the regular season. Terry Butcher’s men have started the relegation play-offs with an impressive victory at St Johnstone, but their dismal performance against Aberdeen at the weekend served as a major blow to the players’ confidence. Seeing they have already ensured survival, Inverness will not have much to play for in this clash, and this lack of motivation could ultimately decide the winner of the tie. Terry Butcher’s decision to release long serving midfielder Russell Duncan at the end of the season has caused a lot of controversy and additionally destabilized the atmosphere surrounding the team, meaning the hosts enter the Celtic game low on spirits and without several first team regulars.

Kenny Gillet, Jonathan Hayes, Graeme Shinnie, David Proctor and Dani Sanchez are out with injuries. Richie Foran is suspended, while Chris Hogg is a doubt with a knee problem.

Great chance for Celtic

After the squad underwent major changes last summer, many pundits expressed their doubts whether the new players can gel quickly enough to help Celtic keep up with Rangers, but we can now say that Neil Lennon has done a tremendous job at Parkhead, as a result of which Celtic have a chance to go two points clear of Rangers with just four rounds to go. The Bhoys have been in impressive form lately, winning six out of their last seven games and sharing spoils with Rangers at Ibrox Park, while conceding just two goals during this period. Taking all that into account, it s highly unlikely that the Bhoys will have problems against severely weakened Inverness side, especially since the hosts will have no special motivation in this match. Having won four straight away games before the draw at Ibrox, Celtic have got to be considered hot favourites to win this one.

Apart from Joe Ledley and Cha Du-Ri, Neil Lennon will have full squad to choose from.

Verdict

Inverness appear to be running on empty at the moment, which is hardly surprising considering they have nothing to play for and are missing several very important players. Celtic have been red hot of late and they should be able to record a big win here.

Our prediction: Celtic with -1.5 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.92 (23/25)

Bookmaker: 188BET