Celtic Predicted XI: Kilmarnock (H)
Celtic are at home this Saturday for the first time domestically since they hammered Hearts 5-0 at the beginning of November.
Kilmarnock face the trip to the East end of Glasgow in what will be an important game for both sides.
Steve Clarke’s men currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership after 16 games, an incredible achievement for the Ayrshire side, who have won nine games so far this campaign.
However, the Hoops do have two games in hand over the visitors and are just a point behind them.
Brendan Rodgers’ men conceded an 88th minute goal midweek to draw 1-1 away to Motherwell; their third draw already this season.
Rodgers hasn’t had much glory when it comes to facing Clarke’s Killie side in the league. Of the four league meetings between them, there have been two draws and a further two losses for Celtic.
Returning to Celtic Park should give the champions a much-needed boost as December’s congested fixture list has some key games in store for the champions.
Here is our Celtic predicted XI, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, for Saturday afternoon’s match.
Craig Gordon
Will be chosen to start once again this weekend.
Mikael Lustig
Likely to return to the starting eleven after being rested midweek. Gamboa’s performance against Motherwell was unlikely to have impressed Rodgers all that much.
Filip Benkovic
It’s a no-brainer to have him start on Saturday. Has been solid at the back and offers a level head.
Jozo Simunovic
Could be set to make back-to-back starts for the first time since facing Alashkert in July.
Kieran Tierney
Created chances on Wednesday which, unfortunately, were not to be converted. Allowing him space down the wing could be key to unlocking Killie’s defence.
Scott Brown
Now that he’s returned to action, it’ll be interesting to see how Rodgers uses the captain within the team. There’s a good chance of him starting.
Ryan Christie
Was deservedly awarded November Player of the Month given his outstanding contribution to the team. Put the Hoops ahead on Wednesday night after a great finish. No reason he should be dropped.
James Forrest
Will likely occupy the wing once again. Being back at Celtic Park could mean the Scottish international is set to take the pitch by storm like he has so often recently.
Tom Rogic
The attacking midfielder didn’t start in the midweek draw but did come on later in the game. Could start this one to maximise the amount of chances created in the opposition’s final third.
Callum McGregor
Probably the most ‘out there’ prediction. McGregor has played in the centre of midfield so often, but he’s been known to be tasked with occupying the left-wing as an inverted winger before. It could be unlikely, but it would potentially free up space for Tierney to race down the wing and square balls into the penalty area.
Odsonne Edouard
Came off the bench midweek but failed to make an impact like so many of his teammates. His physicality could be useful as Kilmarnock will be set-up well in defence.
