Ange Postecoglou takes his Celtic side into this afternoon’s game against Kilmarnock in the Cinch Premiership as he looks to record three points. Celtic will move twelve points clear if they beat the Ayrshire outfit at Paradise but the manager will also have one eye on the hectic schedule of upcoming matches – including a Semi Final against Killie.
Joe Hart will start in goals. At the heart of the Celtic defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt will likely start, even with Moritz Jenz keen to get some minutes on the pitch.
Greg Taylor is out for a couple of weeks after tweaking his hamstring at Ibrox. Alexandro Bernabei will start at left back. Alistair Johnston was impressive in the draw against Rangers. He will likely tip Josip Juranovic for the starting role with Tony Ralston still out with that back knock.
Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy are expected to join captain Callum McGregor in the Celtic midfield. Matt O’Riley has looked slightly jaded in the last couple of games and may benefit from some a spell on the bench. David Turnbull is back after completing his two match suspension. The midfielder will feel that he needs to prove a point given impressive showings from Hatate and Mooy in recent weeks, especially with O’Riley reiterating his determination to get back to his best.
In attack, Kyogo is expected to start through the middle. Giorgos Giakoumakis’ future is up in the air with the Greek striker seemingly refusing to sign a new contract. Daizen Maeda scored at Ibrox and will likely start down Celtic’s left hand side, Jota came on impressed so he would be well placed to attack down Celtic’s right hand side. The Portuguese winger has recovered from his virus.
Seak Haksabanovic is still out with a knock but Liel Abada and James Forrest will be keen to make an impact from the bench.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bernabei; McGregor, O’Riley, Mooy; Jota, Kyogo, Maeda.
All will be clear when Ange’s team sheet comes out before 2pm. Keep your eyes peeled across the site and we will bring updates as soon as we get them.
