Preview: Celtic vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

Celtic will look to continue their undefeated start to the season at home on Saturday when they host Ross County at Celtic Park in Scottish Premiership action.

Meanwhile, the visitors shall be attempting to earn their first victory of the season as they aim to push away from the relegation zone.

Match preview

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Celtic have had a mixed start to the season; from failing to qualify for the Champions League to earning the right to play in the Europa League, or the inconsistent performances in the Scottish Premiership, there is plenty to improve upon during this period.

However, despite the fact that they have only won half of their league games so far, Ange Postecoglou has made Celtic Park a fortress, as they are undefeated in their home stadium.

That is a record they shall be looking to continue this Saturday as they welcome Ross County, with the Bhoys attempting to respond to consecutive defeats.

Celtic were beaten in the Old Firm derby during their last performance prior to the international break, with a 1-0 loss to Rangers being something that the club would like to quickly forget about.

The defeat marked the first time this season that Postecoglou's team have failed to score in a game, with his squad having proven to be very attack-minded.

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While they are currently sixth in the league, nobody has scored more goals than their tally of 13, which includes two 6-0 victories.

When they are on form, the Bhoys have proven themselves to be lethal, which is something that Ross County will be hoping is not the case on Saturday.

The visitors have only picked up two points this season, with a draw on the opening day of the campaign and in their most recent outing against Aberdeen.

Malky Mackay's men were unfortunate not to have won their last game after taking the lead via a Regan Charles-Cook strike, but they allowed their concentration to slip as an 87th-minute goal saw the Dons sneak a point from them.

Ross County have had defensive issues this season, which is not a great sign as they prepare for a game with Celtic, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet since the 0-0 draw against St Johnstone at the start of the Scottish Premiership.

However, the Staggies did defeat the Bhoys the last time they met, with a goal from Jordan White helping them to earn a 1-0 victory, which they will be hoping to repeat this time out.

Team News

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Celtic have been dealt a major blow heading into this game as forward Kyogo Furuhashi suffered an injury while representing Japan on international duty, meaning he is likely set to miss this fixture.

However, there has been positive news in relation to Christopher Jullien, who is yet to make an appearance this season, as he was recently named in Celtic's Europa League squad, giving some hope that he could be set to return to the squad soon.

Saturday could also see Jota make his debut for the club after the winger joined the Bhoys on a season-long loan from Benfica on transfer deadline day, bolstering the attacking options.

Ross County could also be set to hand out a first full debut to one of their new signings as Jack Baldwin is available to start having made his first appearance from the bench against Aberdeen after joining from Bristol Rovers.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Ralston, Wesh, Starfelt, Juranovic; Christie, Turnbull, McGregor; Jota, Abada, Edward

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Randall, Clarke, Baldwin, Paton; Tillson, Cancola, Charles-Cook, Callachan, Spittal; White

We say: Celtic 3-0 Ross County

Celtic might have been a mixed bag so far, but their quality and experience should shine through on Saturday as they look to start climbing the league table.

While Ross County will look to put up a resilient effort, the attacking qualities of the hosts will prove to be too much on this particular occasion.