If Hogh is involved, Celtic would seem to gain a different reference point in the final third.
Against opponents likely to defend compactly, availability in the striker department is rarely a small detail. A natural focal point can speed up crossing patterns, second-ball pressure and penalty-box occupation. Even if Hogh is not ready for a full start, his presence would widen the manager’s options.
The flip side is the likely loss of Yang for this game. International call-ups can disrupt rhythm, and in a squad built around rotation and repeated high-intensity runs, missing one winger can quickly alter the pecking order.
That matters against St Johnstone, because breaking down disciplined teams often depends on stretching the pitch before attacking the box.
This is where the team sheet gets interesting. Reports suggest Celtic could reshuffle the system to fit their strongest available attackers, and the return of Hogh gives that idea more weight. The question is not just who starts, but whether Celtic go with a more direct central threat or lean on fluid movement between the lines.
The next clue will come when the lineup drops for St Johnstone. If Hogh is involved early, the attack may look more structured; if not, the spotlight shifts to how Celtic replace Yang’s width and keep their edge in the title race.