Since Celtic were thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona, the Hoops’ confidence looks diminished and they have struggled as a unit. Brendan Rodgers’ boys saw their 100% record broken with a 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle last Sunday. They somehow managed to beat minnows Alloa Athletic 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Moussa Dembele and James Forrest. The Bhoys will host Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Saturday and will be looking to impress which they failed to do in their last three outings.
Kilmarnock look like a cakewalk for Celtic at least on paper. The visitors won just one game this season drawing three and find themselves ninth on the table with six points. Killie have drawn all of their last three games which includes a 1-1 stalemate with Rangers. Celtic face mighty Manchester City in the Champions League on next Wednesday and Rodgers might be tempted to play a weakened squad keeping his key players face for the Citizens. However, he will be in a dilemma because Celtic have not looked sharp in the last three games and resting star players could cost his side big time.
Here is the predicted Celtic lineup Vs Kilmarnock.
Defence
Dorus de Vries will replace Craig Gordon under the bar. Gordon did a good job against Alloa in the midweek but it is clear that Rodgers rates the Dutchman more than the Scot. Kolo Toure and Erik Sviatchenko are likely to start at the heart of the defence while Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney will keep their places in the two full-back positions.
Midfield
Scott Brown is likely to start in the middle of the park. Nir Bitton is likely to reclaim his position at the heart of midfield pairing up with the skipper. Tom Rogic should keep his place at the number ten. Scott Sinclair has done an excellent job so far since joining Celtic and has found the net in each and every Premiership game so far. The Englishman is likely to start on the left flank. Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts is likely to be replaced by James Forrest on the right. Forrest has resurrected his frozen Celtic career since the appointment of Rodgers and will be looking to keep up his good form.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths is likely to miss the Kilmarnock game with the injury that kept him out in the last four games. In his absence, Moussa Dembele will keep on playing as the focal point of Celtic attack.
