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

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 have made a strong start to the new campaign as they aim to continue their undefeated start as they look to extend their gap at the top of the table.

The defending SPL 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.

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:

W

D

W

W

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

W

L

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

L

D

D

D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

L

D

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Team News

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

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.

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