Reigning Premiership champions Celtic will be looking to continue their sensational start to the 2020/21 league campaign when they travel to Rugby Park on Sunday. The Celts’ first fixture in the league saw them run out 5-1 winners over bottom-placed Hamilton after an Odsonne Edouard hat-trick proved to be too much for the Accies to try and defend against. The likes of Frimpong and McGregor put in solid performances last weekend, and the duo will be expected to be in full-flow once again this time around.
The Celts are currently sitting pretty on top of the Premiership table after their goal difference rose to a whopping +4 after the beating of Hamilton at Parkhead. Kilmarnock, on the other hand, will be looking to pick up their first points of the season when they welcome the champions to Rugby Park later this Sunday. Killie were put to the sword by an inspired display by Hibernian last weekend, and the first-half Chris Burke goal turned out to be nothing more than a consolation in the end.
Team News
The acquisition of Greek stopper Vasilis Barkas has now been confirmed by the Parkhead club, and although he was in the matchday squad against the Accies, the former AEK Athens man had to do with a place on the bench. With the first game of the season now out of the way, it wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Neil Lennon choose to bench Scott Bain once again in favour of Barkas. As far as injuries and absences go, Celtic currently boast a full-strength squad as well.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup Vs Kilmarnock:
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup Vs Kilmarnock
Defence
Recently acquired Greek shot-stopper Vasilis Barkas had been brought in as competition for the first-choice role, and the former AEK Athens man is likely to start in his first-ever Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock this weekend. This means that Scott Bain, who has featured in all the pre-season fixtures so far, is set to drop back down to the bench. Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer had started the game against Hamilton last time out, and are both expected to retain their spots. Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong should continue in the wide roles as well.
Midfield
Scott Brown is likely to operate as the midfield anchor yet again, entirely responsible for picking the ball up from the defenders and finding the best possible forward pass. Callum McGregor put in an extremely disciplined shift in the core of the side last weekend and is set to retain his place in the team as well. McGregor not only can bring teammates into the game, but he also boasts excellent ball-carrying skills in the Celts’ engine room.
Attack
Mohamed Elyounoussi and James Forrest are expected to continue operating in the wide roles, responsible for providing the Hoops’ attack-line with some much-needed width. Ryan Christie is set to start in the number ten role, just in behind the main striker providing direct support. French sensation Odsonne Edouard is expected to lead the line yet again, as the former PSG man will be looking to kick on after scoring three simple tap-ins during the first game of the season last weekend against the Accies.
