Kilmarnock vs Celtic predictions: Celtic line-up

Celtic will travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock in arguably the game of the weekend. The Hoops had won seven out of seven games without conceding a goal in the calendar year before enduring a 2-0 defeat against Valencia in the Europa League round of 32 first leg on Thursday.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic will hope to bounce back against Kilmarnock, who will be desperate for a repeat of September’s 2-1 win over the Hoops.

Team News

Kieran Tierney is back in training but the game against Kilmarnock could come too early for him. Meanwhile, Filip Benkovic and Tom Rogic remain out injured.

Probable Celtic XI

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Scott Bain (GK)

Bain has ousted Gordon as Celtic’s No.1 in goal and he should start at Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Jeremy Toljan (RB)

Toljan has seamlessly slotted into the Celtic XI since moving on loan from Dortmund last month. He should retain his place in the team.

Dedryck Boyata (CB)

Boyata is arguably Celtic’s best defender and is expected to start against Kilmarnock.

Jozo Simunovic (CB)

Simunovic will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Kilmarnock attackers at bay.

Jonny Hayes (LB)

Izaguirre was terrible against Valencia, so Rodgers could opt for Hayes at left-back.

Scott Brown (CM)

Brown struggled to impose himself in the Europa League game against Valencia. He’ll be raring to put in a better performance against Kilmarnock.

Callum McGregor (CM)

McGregor has built a strong partnership with Brown at the heart of the Celtic midfield. His ability to pick a pass and come up with crucial goals makes him so important for the team.

James Forrest (RW)

Forrest brings pace, directness and dynamism to Celtic’s attack. He is a certain starter for the weekend’s game.

Ryan Christie (CAM)

Christie is a very smart player who likes to pick up important spaces behind the opposition backline and create openings for his teammates. He will start in the No.10 role.

Scott Sinclair (LW)

Sinclair will look to give a tough time to the Kilmarnock right-back and help the Hoops bag three points on Sunday.

Oliver Burke (ST)

Burke was ineffective against Valencia as he got very little service from his teammates. However, he’ll look to put in a better show at Killie and got on the score-sheet as well.

[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic XI to Kilmarnock – can the Hoops pick up 3 crucial points?