Celtic look to extend their 10 point lead tonight in their visit to 7th placed Kilmarnock. The league leaders have a few injury concerns, particularly defensively. Defender Mikael Lustig missed out for Sweden in the midweek internationals, Kolo Toure has been suffering with a groin injury in recent weeks and young Left-Back Kieran Tierney is out with a long-term ankle injury.
It is thought that Brendan Rodgers will also assess the fitness of Tom Rogic and Emilio Izaguirre after both returned from international duty just 24 hours before the game.
Here is the predicted lineup for Celtic that Rodgers may field tonight:
Craig Gordon
After a slow start under Brendan Rodgers, Craig Gordon has regained his first team place and is now the number 1 choice between the sticks for Celtic.
Christian Gamboa
The Costa Rica international joined Celtic in the summer and has found first team appearances difficult to come by. However, due to injuries to the Celtic back line, it is likely that he will be making a return to the first team and will be hoping to put in a performance that impresses.
Erik Sviatchenko
The Danish defender is nailed on for a central defensive spot against Kilmarnock and will face an easier evening now Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd is out injured.
Jozo Simunovic
Ideally, with Barcelona due next week, Rodgers would rest their star central defender, but with injuries in this department already he will have to play. Celtic fans will be hoping he comes through unscathed.
Emilio Izaguirre
The Honduras international will not have much time to recover having not long returned from International duty. However, with backup options in short supply, it is likely he will have to play unless Rodgers either changes formation or plays somebody out of position.
Scott Brown
Celtic’s midfield enforcer and Captain Scott Brown made a return to Scotlands team in their 3-0 defeat against England one week ago and he is likely to resume his place in the Celtic line-up tonight.
Nir Bitton
The Israel International was sent home from International duty after refusing to take part in a training exercise but will be back into the Celtic line-up tonight and will be fresh after having a break.
Patrick Roberts
The England youth international is a big talent and his recent performances have possibly played him into the Celtic team. They will be looking for his inspiration to help them ease past Kilmarnock.
Stuart Armstrong
With Tom Rogic looking likely to be rested having only just returned from international duty after travelling to Australia, it is likely that the 24-year-old with 2 goals to his name this term will step in to replace him.
Scott Sinclair
One of the most important players with his pace and dribbling ability, he will be raring to go after having a 2-week break and will look to take the game to the Kilmarnock back line.
Moussa Dembele
With Leigh Griffiths waiting in the wings, it is, of course, a possibility that Rodgers rests Dembele ahead of the Barcelona game. But with him in great form you have to start him. He scored two goals in the recent France u21 game against England, including a stunning free-kick.
