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

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 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.

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:

W

W

W

W

W

D

Celtic form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

W

D

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

L

D

W

D

Team News

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

We say: Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock

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

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