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Celtic logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 8
Oct 7, 2023 at 3pm UK
Celtic Park
Kilmarnock logo
Celtic
3 - 1
Kilmarnock
Hatate (22'), Palma (33'), Taylor (82')
Taylor (68'), Scales (76')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Watson (72')
Mayo (28'), Vassell (76')

Preview: Celtic vs. Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Kilmarnock, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Celtic will aim to continue their unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership when they host eighth-placed Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The visitors are only sitting outside of the relegation zone due to goal difference, adding plenty of pressure on this particular fixture.


Match preview

Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates Matt O'Riley and Daizen Maeda on October 4, 2023© Reuters

Celtic have made a strong start to the new campaign and will aim to continue their undefeated start and extend their gap at the top of the table this weekend.

The defending champions have established a four-point lead over their nearest challengers St Mirren, and have showcased great attacking and defensive qualities.

No team in the division has scored more goals than the Hoops, while they have only conceded four times during their opening seven fixtures, providing fantastic balance.

However, Brendan Rogers will be looking to pick his team back up after they were defeated in midweek during their Champions League fixture against Lazio.

Despite Kyogo Furuhashi giving Celtic a 12-minute lead they were unable to hold on, and were left feeling frustrated after conceding in the 95th minute to suffer a 2-1 loss.

Kilmarnock players in action against Celtic on April 16, 2023© Reuters

The visitors might be much further down the league table right now, but Kilmarnock have proven they are capable of beating top teams which they did on the opening day of the season against Rangers.

Killie showcased that side of themselves again in the Scottish League Cup when they knocked Celtic out in a surprise result, with a Marley Watkins goal being enough to separate the teams.

However, the visitors are without a victory in all competitions since they defeated their hosts which is a run of form they drastically need to change.

Kilmarnock might be sat in eighth, but there is only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation battle which places pressure on Derek McInnes this weekend.

Killie did manage to take a point from St Mirren during their most recent outing, and after once again picking up a result against a top team the visitors will have confidence that they can cause another upset.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:


Celtic form (all competitions):


Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:


Kilmarnock form (all competitions):


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Team News

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on October 4, 2023© Reuters

Celtic were able to bring back Cameron Carter-Vickers from the bench in the midweek Champions League clash and the central defender could end up featuring from the start this weekend following his injury.

Despite that, the Hoops do have a lengthy list of players on the sidelines as Liel Abada, Marco Tilio, James McCarthy and Stephen Welsh are all unavailable.

Kyle Magennis is a doubt for the visitors this weekend and that could open the door for David Watson to slot back into the starting lineup.

Kilmarnock also have question marks over the fitness of Liam Donnelly, which could lead to him missing out on this fixture as well.


Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Davies; Armstrong, Lyons, Watson, Kennedy; Dallas, Vassell


SM words green background

We say: Celtic 4-0 Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock might have picked up a surprise victory when they last faced the Hoops, but it is unlikely that will take place this time.

Celtic have been too strong for most teams this season, particularly offensively and that should be the case this weekend.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data

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Game History

How you voted: Celtic vs Kilmarnock

Celtic
90.9%
Draw
9.1%
Kilmarnock
0.0%
22
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