Celtic have made a seamless start to the season on the domestic front as they are yet to drop points after the first five games. After securing a commendable draw against Rennes away from home in the Europa League, Lennon’s men will host Kilmarnock at Celtic Park this weekend.
Kilmarnock who surprised everyone by finishing third last season have had a mixed start to the season so far. They have won two and lost two and drawing the other one. However, they have seemingly turned the tide a bit after a winless start in the first three games. But their task will be cut out when they face reigning Scottish champions away from home. Even with some injury woes, Lennon’s men would go in as the favourite for this tie.
Team News: Nir Bitton and Jozo Simunovic are likely to miss out once again. On the attacking front, Marian Shved and Mikey Johnston are going to be absent. Goalkeeper Scott Bain is also out for a considerable amount of time.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo had to go off with an injury against Rennes, and he is also going to be a significant doubt. Leigh Griffiths is also expected to be unavailable.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Kilmarnock
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Fraser Forster is expected to keep his place in between the sticks ahead of Craig Gordon. Lennon hasn’t got too much room to manoeuvre at the back, so we expect him to continue with the centre back pairing of Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer. Jullien has settled in well and has put in some commendable performances in the last few fixtures.
Jonny Hayes could get the nod to start at left-back in place of Bolingoli. Hatem Abd Elhamed is likely to continue at right-back, and Bauer might have to wait for his chances.
Midfield
Scott Brown is expected to keep his place as a defensive midfielder. Lennon might opt for the fresh legs of Olivier Ntcham to start in the middle alongside him.
Tom Rogic was on the bench in the Europa League tie, and he might get his first start of the season this weekend in his preferred attacking midfield role. Ryan Christie might be shifted on the left flank. On loan signing, Mohamed Elyounoussi will probably have to miss out. James Forrest is expected to start on the right side.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard should lead the line for Lennon in this clash with Griffiths being a doubt.
