Team news: Celtic v Kilmarnock (A)

Ronny Deila will be looking for his Celtic side to open up a four-point gap at the top of the table over Aberdeen with a win.

Celtic will face Kilmarnock in the early kick-off on Saturday and will look to replicate their win last week to keep the pressure on the Dons.

The Hoops drew 2-2 in their last visit to Rugby Park back in August and struggled to open up the Killie defence in November when they drew 0-0.

Lee Clark’s side have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions as they fight for survival in the top flight.

Celtic

Gary Mackay-Steven is expected to shake off an ankle problem that forced him to miss training yesterday (Thursday).

Dedryck Boyata is available again after serving his one-match suspension for a red card he picked up against Hamilton.

Stefan Johansen returns to the squad after missing out last weekend in the Glasgow Derby with an ankle injury.

Jozo Simunovic remains out with a cracked bone in his knee despite his recent call-up to the Croatia national squad.

Carlton Cole remains unavailable due to personal reasons and his expected return date is still unknown.

Kilmarnock

Lee Clark has no fresh injury concerns although there are already a number of players out injured.

Captain Stevie Smith should again lead the side out despite continuing to play with a problem in his hip.

Defenders Darryl Westlake (ankle), Mark Connolly (hip) and David Syme (fractured leg) remain out alongside winger Chris Johnston (knee), while Jamie Hamill, Ross Barbour and Scott Robinson have been told they are no longer in managers plans.