Celtic would be looking to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership this week against Kilmarnock after they played out a timid goalless draw against St.Mirren last weekend. The Hoops did secure a narrow win in the Europa League so the mood should not be too dark when Brendan Rodgers’ men take on their rivals at the Rugby Park.
Hearts sit on the top of the table and have already opened up a 5 point lead in this time. Celtic cannot afford to drop any points this weekend so one can expect Rodgers to field a strong side even though they played a tough midweek fixture against Rosenborg. Also, keeping track of this and any other match in the Scottish Premiership can be done by going to bet live stream and live football streaming.
Team News
Kristoffer Ajer wasn’t fit enough to be in the matchday squad in the last game, and it is unlikely that the centre-half would be ready by Sunday for the league encounter against Kilmarnock. Jozo Simunovic is also sidelined for this game as he is yet to recover from his injury. Olivier Ntcham is suspended as he saw a red card against St.Mirren. Apart from that, Rodgers would have a strong squad to choose from for this match.
Celtic’ Predicted Lineup VS Kilmarnock
Formation(3-4-2-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon continues to be the no.1 choice in goal for Rodgers, and the Scotsman would be happy that he has managed five clean sheets in a row now. A lot of credit for that needs to go to the Bhoys defence. We expect Rodgers to go in with a back three for this game.
Filip Benkovic should start in the back three, and he is slowly starting to fit in Celtic’s setup. Dedryck Boyata and Jack Hendry should be the other two centre-halves starting in a defensive wall of three.
Midfield
Kieran Tierney will almost play as a left winger. Rodgers’ side would be expected to have plenty of possession, so Tierney wouldn’t be doing much of his defensive duties. In the central midfield, Youssouf Mulumbu can get his first start of the season as Ntcham is suspended. Captain Scott Brown should partner him in the centre. Out on the right, Ryan Christie could start ahead of James Forrest who could be rested for this game.
Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor will have the creative onus on their shoulders, and the duo will mostly play in the attacking third of the pitch.
Forward
Leigh Griffiths scored the solitary goal against Rosenborg after coming on as a substitute. The fact that he wasn’t involved much in the last game could mean that he could be given a start in this league game. We expect him to start over Odsonne Edouard as his confidence would be high after scoring the all-important winner in the Europa League.
