Celtic travel to East Ayrshire today to face Kilmarnock in the Viaplay League Cup. The holders, who beat Rangers in the Final back in February, face Derek McInnes’ Killie as they look to seal their progression to the Quarter Finals of the competition.
The Celts last faced Killie in January, winning 2-0 to seal their place in the League Cup Final. Brendan Rodgers is back at the club and will be looking to continue his exceptional run in the competition, winning three trophies on the bounce.
Team News
Celtic go into the game with a few injury concerns. Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Welsh are all out after picking up injuries in the last week. Alistair Johnston has returned to training whilst Mikey Johnston and Marco Tilio remain out.
Joe Hart will start in goals. Anthony Ralston will start in the right full-back berth, despite Johnston returning to training. Greg Taylor will likely start at left full-back. New signings Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke will likely start together in the centre of defence.
Hatate is out after picking up an injury at Pittodrie meaning that Callum McGregor will likely be joined by David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley in the starting XI. Odin Thiago Holm has shown promise and will likely play a part from the bench.
In attack, expect Liel Abada to start out right and Daizen Maeda out left and then Kyogo through the middle.
Predicted Team and score
We managed to get the team prediction and the scoreline correct last weekend. Can lightning strike twice? Hopefully in terms of the scoreline. We reckon the score today will be Kilmarnock 0 Celtic 2.
Predicted XI: Hart; Ralston, Nawrocki, Lagerbielke, Taylor; McGregor, O’Riley, Turnbull; Abada, Kyogo, Maeda.
Match Officials
Alan Muir will referee the clash between Celtic and Derek McInnes’ Killie. Muir will be joined by Assistant Referees Frank Connor and Colin Drummond. Euan Anderson will be on Fourth Official duties. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House in Glasgow, VAR duties will be assumed by Don Robertson with assistance from Gary Hilland.
Kick Off Time
The game will kick off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on Viaplay Sports 1 with coverage starting at 2:30pm. The game will also be shown on Celtic TV for overseas subscribers. Celtic TV subscribers in the UK & Ireland can enjoy live audio commentary of the match, plus a full match replay from 10pm.
🟢 League Cup Matchday! ⚪
🆚 Kilmarnock
🏆 #ViaplayCup Second Round
⌚ 3:00pm
🏟️ Rugby Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ViaplaySportsUK#KILCEL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/f2f1sbZN9Y— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 20, 2023
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