MX23RW : Friday, June 14 17:03:50| >> :120:58911:58911:
[monks data]
Celtic logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 21
Jan 7, 2023 at 3pm UK
Celtic Park
Kilmarnock logo

Celtic
2 - 0
Kilmarnock

Jota (45'), Taylor (51' og.)
FT(HT: 1-0)

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 look to maintain their impressive form in the Scottish Premiership this weekend when they take on Kilmarnock at Celtic Park.

The hosts return to home soil following a draw against Rangers, while the visitors travel to Glasgow off the back of a draw against St Mirren.


Match preview

Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring against Rangers on January 2, 2023© Reuters

Celtic have the Scottish Premiership title in their sights once again as they seek to keep Rangers at arms length between now and the end of the campaign.

Ange Postecoglou has his side nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while the Hoops also have the advantage of enjoying a far superior goal difference to their city rivals.

Last time out, Kyogo Furuhashi struck in the 88th minute for Celtic to gain a valuable 2-2 draw against Rangers at Ibrox on Monday to keep his side on top of the table with a healthy lead.

Celtic have also been proactive in the transfer market this January, with new additions Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi already entering the building ahead of the window opening.

All focus will now turn towards the visit of Kilmarnock for Postecoglou, as his side could move 12 points clear at the summit due to Rangers not being in action until the following day.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes pictured in November 22, 2020© Reuters

Kilmarnock arrive at Celtic Park unbeaten in three matches and sit ninth in the league standings with 20 points from 20 matches under Derek McInnes.

Undoubtedly, Killie have been in much better form since the World Cup break ended and could dig themselves out of relegation danger if their run of results is to continue.

On Monday afternoon, Kilmarnock were involved in a 0-0 draw with St Mirren, though could not take advantage of an Ethan Erhahon red card that reduced the visitors to 10 men.

Nevertheless, there is cause for optimism amongst supporters that Kilmarnock are indeed on an upward trajectory following an initially difficult start to 2022-23.

Should Kilmarnock claim a shock victory at Celtic Park, they could move four points clear of the relegation slots, as Dundee United are not involved in action until Sunday.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:


Celtic form (all competitions):


Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:


Team News

Kyogo Furuhashi in action for Celtic on November 2, 2022© Reuters

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston may be available for selection against Kilmarnock as he gets over the worst of a back injury, though Alistair Johnston is likely to retain his place at right-back owing to his impressive debut at Ibrox.

Sead Haksabanovic has missed several matches with a foot problem, though could also be included in the matchday squad on Saturday if he manages to recover in time. Greg Taylor was taken off against Rangers with a hamstring issue and may be out for the tie.

Stephen Welsh and James McCarthy are both ruled out of contention, while Rocco Vata may be promoted to the senior squad once again due to the fact he was omitted from B Team action against Civil Service Strollers in midweek.

Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty will serve the last of his suspension for conduct away from the field of play and will not take part against Celtic.

Jeriel Dorsett has recently been suffering from a knock, and it is unclear whether he will be fit enough to be included in any capacity at Celtic Park.

Innes Cameron has pulled his hamstring and is unavailable for the visitors, making room for Scott Robinson to lead the line on Saturday.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bernabei; McGregor, Hatate, O'Riley; Jota, Maeda, Furuhashi

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Walker; Wright, Taylor, Mayo; Armstrong, McKenzie, Alston, Polworth, Chrisene; Doidge, Robinson


SM words green background

We say: Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock

In a match that has consequences at both ends of the table, we expect a feisty affair that will produce plenty of opportunities across the match.

Despite this, it is impossible to envision anything other than a routine win for Celtic in the end, which would be another step towards retaining their Scottish Premiership crown.

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 1.5 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 1.5:data


ID:503513:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect12164:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Celtic vs Kilmarnock

Celtic
82.1%
Draw
3.6%
Kilmarnock
14.3%
28
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou applauds fans after the match on March 2, 2022
Read Next:
Celtic complete signing of J. League Player of the Year Tomoki Iwata
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, June 14
 
8pm
Saturday, June 15
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 16
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 17
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 18
 
5pm
Wednesday, June 19
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Thursday, June 20
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Group Stage
Spain
vs.
Italy
Friday, June 21
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 22
 
8pm
Sunday, June 23
 
8pm
Monday, June 24
 
8pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 25
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Wednesday, June 26
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 29
Sunday, June 30
Monday, July 1
Tuesday, July 2
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Germany Germany00000
2 Hungary Hungary00000
3 Scotland flag Scotland00000
4 Switzerland Switzerland00000

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Albania national flag Albania00000
2 Croatia Croatia00000
3 Italy Italy00000
4 Spain Spain00000

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Denmark Denmark00000
2 England flag England00000
3 Serbia Serbia00000
4 Slovenia Slovenia00000

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Austria Austria00000
2 France France00000
3 Netherlands Netherlands00000
4 Poland Poland00000

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Belgium Belgium00000
2 Romania Romania00000
3 Slovakia Slovakia00000
4 Ukraine Ukraine00000

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Czech Republic Czech Republic00000
2 Georgia Georgia00000
3 Portugal Portugal00000
4 Turkey Turkey00000


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!