Celtic will resume their league campaign when they visit Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock in a midweek game. The Hoops had suffered a crucial defeat against Rangers before the break, and that has really made the title race exciting.
Kilmarnock are going through a wretched run of form as they have lost five games on the bounce now in the Premiership. The Bhoys had managed a 3-1 win when they faced them in September. Lennon’s men should go in as the favourites for this clash, but the Killie can spring up a surprise at their home.
Team News: Ryan Christie remains suspended for this encounter. Hatem Abd Elhamed is also on the treatment table. Jozo Simunovic made a return in the last game. Nir Bitton suffered an injury setback after he started against Patrick Thistle.
Michael Johnston is set to be unavailable after he suffered a fresh injury setback. Mohamed Elyounoussi is also likely to miss out. James Forrest and Kristoffer Ajer are likely to be assessed closer to the matchday as they were declared unfit for the last encounter.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Kilmarnock
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Fraser Forster will continue to start in between the sticks for the Hoops. Jozo Simunovic could be handed his first start after a major injury setback. The Croatian is expected to feature in central defence. Christopher Jullien is likely to partner him at the back. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is expected to return at left-back after Greg Taylor was handed a rare start against Patrick Thistle. Jeremie Frimpong should start on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Scott Brown will be in his usual defensive midfield role. Olivier Ntcham could partner him in the middle. Callum McGregor could be shifted on the left wing with various injury concerns in the roster. Australian ace Tom Rogic should start as the attacking midfielder.
We are expecting James Forrest to recover and start on the right-wing. If he fails to recover, then, Marian Shved could be given the nod. Or maybe Lennon could push Frimpong in an attacking position, and Bauer might fill in for him at right-back. New arrival Patryk Klimala could also be an alternative as he can play on the right flank.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths bagged a crucial goal against Patrick Thistle, but Odsonne Edouard is expected to lead the line in this encounter. The Frenchman continues to be the talismanic man for the Bhoys.
