Celtic play host to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday afternoon just three days after falling behind Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Inverness have endured a disappointing start to the campaign, but they may relish the opportunity to play without pressure on the trip to Glasgow.

Celtic

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Due to their European commitments, Celtic have already played seven competitive games this season, but their result away at Kilmarnock in midweek suggested that they aren't necessarily sharper than their domestic opponents.

Ronny Deila's men recorded back-to-back 2-0 victories over Ross County and Partick Thistle to start their season, and they were expected to make it three successive wins when making the trip to Rugby Park to face a side who had lost both their opening fixtures without scoring a goal.

They could have been out of sight in the first half, but they were made to pay for their failure in front of goal as Kilmarnock twice hit back to claim a share of the spoils, much to the disappointment of Deila.

The Norwegian was critical of his side's discipline, with a late penalty costing them all three points, but he was also angered by their return of just two goals from 28 attempts on goal, something that must improve in the coming weeks as they place much of their focus on attempting to negotiate a tie with Malmo in the Champions League.

With that game taking priority, it remains to be seen how Deila approaches their clash with Inverness in terms of squad selection, but whichever 11 players are selected, a professional approach will be demanded as the competition for places hots up ahead of Wednesday night's first leg.

Recent form: WWD
Recent form (all competitions): WWWDWD

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

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After winning the Scottish Cup and earning qualification for Europe, the immediate future looked bright for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, but with the club out of the Europa League and without a league win in three, John Hughes has a difficult task on his hands.

Their two-legged tie with Astra Giurgiu was always going to be an uphill task and to only lose 1-0 on aggregate was an achievement in itself, but the disappointment resulted in the club beginning the domestic campaign on the back foot.

Hughes is having to work with limited numbers and a small budget, but he would have been hoping for a better return than two draws and a defeat from their games with Motherwell, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle respectively.

It could have perhaps been a different story - they conceded a last-minute equaliser at St Johnstone and wasted several chances against Patrick - but unless they cause a shock at Celtic Park, they will be left adrift of the top three, where they finished last season.

It is still early days but for smaller clubs such as Inverness, more importance is placed on momentum and they would be left with little to none if they don't perform at the home of the champions.

Recent form: LDD
Recent form (all competitions): LDLDD

Team News

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Much of Deila's selection will depend on his mindset ahead of what is arguably their biggest six days of the season against Malmo.

The Bhoys chief can't afford injuries to key players ahead of the first leg, and that could see the likes of Virgil van Dijk, who is attracting interest from Southampton, and Leigh Griffiths left on the bench.

Kris Commons is an injury doubt after suffering a dead leg on Wednesday night.

As for Inverness, Iain Vigurs could find himself promoted to the starting lineup after making a substitute appearance in midweek, just hours after signing for the club on a free transfer.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Gordon, Janko, Ambrose Emuobo, van Dijk, Izaguirre, Bitton, Johansen, Mackay-Steven, Rogic, Forrest, Stokes

Inverness Caledonian Thistle possible starting lineup:
Fon Williams, Raven, Devine, Draper, Williams, Mbuyi-Mutombo, Tansey, Polworth, Vigurs, Christie, Lopez Robles

Head To Head

The two clubs have met each other on 38 previous occasions, and as expected, Celtic have emerged victorious more often than not, claiming 27 wins compared to five for Inverness.

Inverness did knock Celtic out of the Scottish Cup last season after extra time, but they only have one win from their last 11 matches in normal time.

Celtic have won five of the last six contests that have taken place in Glasgow, with Inverness's last away success coming in November 2012.

We say: Celtic 3-0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

After slipping up at Kilmarnock in midweek, Deila will demand a professional display from his team and with places in the starting XI for their Champions League encounter with Malmo still available, expect a strong performance from the home side on Saturday afternoon.

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