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Celtic logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 1
Aug 2, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
Celtic Park
Hamilton logo

Celtic
5 - 1
Hamilton

Edouard (20', 49', 53'), Frimpong (31'), Klimala (90')
Taylor (85')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Martin (34')
Martin (17'), Callachan (36'), Ogboe (55')

Neil Lennon expecting tough game against Hamilton

Neil Lennon expecting tough game against Hamilton
© Reuters
The Hoops begin their quest for a 10th straight title with a home game against Accies.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon anticipates more hassle from Hamilton when they visit Parkhead on Sunday.

The Hoops begin their quest for a 10th successive Scottish Premiership title behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.

Lennon, who could give new signing Vasilis Barkas his debut in goal following his move from AEK Athens on Thursday, is uncertain how the lack of atmosphere will affect the first competitive game of the season.

However, two close encounters with Brian Rice's side last season, albeit before a 4-1 win in Lanarkshire, means he goes into the season opener expecting more of the same.

The Northern Irishman said: "They may look at that (there being no fans) as an advantage but they still have to play our team.

"What I expect from Hamilton is good energy: well-drilled, well-organised and well-coached.

"They gave us a couple of really tough games last season.

"We won 1-0 away and scored a late winner at Celtic Park so we are under no illusions, they will come and try to catch us cold.

"So we have to be right on it. We have to be right on it for every game."

Lennon is looking forward to getting back into competitive action for the first time since Celtic beat St Mirren 5-0 on March 7.

The season was then called off due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the Parkhead side declared champions again as they led Rangers by 13 points with eight fixtures remaining, one fewer than their Old Firm rivals.

The former Celtic captain said: "It is exciting. The anticipation is building now.

"It has been a long time since we have had competitive football.

"We have been back together quite a while, since mid-June so we have done a lot of work.

"It has been a good week so far. Everyone is fit apart from Mikey Johnston so we are excited."

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Brian Rice pictured at Hibs in 2009
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1211103543134
2Aberdeen12101125121331
3RangersRangers12723179823
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd135531914520
5Motherwell126151616019
6St Mirren145361923-418
7Dundee134362225-315
8Ross County143651222-1015
9St Johnstone144191727-1013
10Kilmarnock133371526-1112
11Hearts142391524-99
12Hibernian131571222-108


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