Celtic face Kilmarnock in the Cinch Premiership this afternoon. After theRangers cut the gap to five points with a penalty assisted win against Dundee yesterday at Ibrox, Celtic can regain their eight point lead at the summit of the table with a win. However, the League Cup defeat in August will be fresh in Brendan Rodgers’ mind as he and his team make the trip down to Ayrshire.
Team News
Celtic go into the game with no fresh injury concerns despite Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor being substituted on Wednesday in the 4-1 win versus Hibs. However, the manager might opt against using the American central defender given the plastic pitch used at Rugby Park.
Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate – three first teamers are unavailable through injury.
In goals, expect Joe Hart to continue. In defence, expect Nat Phillips to join Liam Scales with Cameron Carter-Vickers not being risked. Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston will likely continue, too.
In midfield, expect an unchanged trio of Tomoki Iwata, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley.
In attack, expect Oh to continue with James Forrest coming in for Mikey Johnston then Luis Palma completing the front three.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Phillips, Scales, Taylor; Iwata, O’Riley, McGregor; Forrest, Oh, Palma.
Match Officials
The SFA have confirmed that David Munro will referee the game with Graeme Stewart and Sean Carr acting as Assistant Referees with Gavin Duncan on Fourth Official duties. Greg Aitken is on VAR with Andrew McWilliam assisting.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 11am.
Much like Celtic, Killie ran out winners during the week, winning 1-0 at Pittodrie. Derek McInnes’ side have been excellent at home; however, were beaten last weekend by Hearts at Rugby Park. Celtic were 3-1 winners when the teams met earlier in the season at Celtic Park.
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🟢 #CelticFC Away Day! ⚪
🆚 Kilmarnock
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 12pm
🏟️ Rugby Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ScotlandSky#KILCEL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/CJVC5kJAEd— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 10, 2023
