Preview: Celtic vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

The Hoops come into this one following a victory over Motherwell, while visitors Ross County make the trip to Glasgow off the back of a win against Hibernian at Easter Road.

Match preview

Celtic have been excellent so far in the Scottish Premiership and sit seven points clear of rivals Rangers at the top of the table under Ange Postecoglou.

They have won their last seven league games, scoring 23 times across these fixtures, which has helped build some real consistency as the break for the World Cup nears.

In their last outing, goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda crafted out a gritty 2-1 win away to Motherwell at Fir Park despite a late Ross Tierney reply for the hosts.

Returning to home soil on Saturday, Postecoglou will be looking to maintain his 100% record at Celtic Park this campaign before league action pauses until December.

Should Celtic secure a victory, they will, at the very least, be seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership regardless of other results.

Ross County have enjoyed a resurgence in their last few matches and travel to Glasgow occupying 10th in the league standings under Malky Mackay.

They have won their last two matches against St Mirren and Hibernian, which has generated optimism amongst supporters that the Staggies can comfortably stave off relegation following a poor start to the season.

In the victory over Hibernian, goals from George Harmon and Alex Iacovitti silenced an expectant home crowd to give Ross County only their second away win of the campaign.

Nevertheless, they have not beaten Celtic since the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership season and face a tough task to gain a result at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Mackay will be desperate for his side to put in another positive display, with the opportunity to move up to ninth in the table at stake if they can pull off a shock triumph.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

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Celtic form (all competitions):

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Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

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Team News

Celtic will be without captain Callum McGregor for the Ross County clash, as the midfielder is still recovering from a knee injury that will keep him out long-term.

James McCarthy is also unavailable due to the Irishman sustaining a significant hamstring concern in training. Moritz Jenz is at risk of suspension should he pick up a yellow card during the match.

On the other hand, visitors Ross County will be missing Alex Samuel and Connor Randall for the trip to Celtic Park as both recover from lengthy knocks.

Ben Purrington will not be available owing to an ankle injury, while Ben Paton will be absent because of an issue with his knee.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O'Riley, Turnbull, Hatate; Jota, Haksabanovic; Furuhashi

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Johnson, Watson, Iacovitti, Harmon; Cancola, Loturi; Edwards, Tillson, Dhanda; White

We say: Celtic 3-0 Ross County

In a match with consequences at both ends of the table, we expect an entertaining encounter that will see both sides look to get on the front foot and create chances.

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