Andy Mackay 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
After a difficult night under the lights on Thursday, Brendan and the Bhoys will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday against Kilmarnock.
Celtic have often struggled in domestic games that follow difficult, draining, European ties and the Celts face a trip to Rugby Park where the plastic pitch has become something of a bogey ground for the champions. However, Kilmarnock will be wary of a backlash from the champions with Rodgers expecting a reaction from his players.
Clarke’s Killie have been nothing short of a revelation since he took over and to better understand the threat that they can pose, we spoke to Football Scotland writer and Killie fan, Gaby Mckay.
Gaby, what are the main strengths for Killie going into the game?
Killie’s main strength is definitely their organisation. That has been one of the big improvements under Clarke, and it’s something you can really see against the better teams in the league. Aside from the 5-1 loss at Celtic Park in December Killie tend to perform well in the games, and that was the first loss to Celtic since Clarke came in. You can expect Killie to sit deep, with only the wingers and full-backs really pressing and try to hit on the break.
Which player poses the biggest threat to Celtic?
Eamonn Brophy has been out with an injury since the 0-0 draw with Aberdeen, but ‘the Wolf’ could inline for a return. His pressing and work rate really caused problems for Rangers, and he’s a good finisher too. He’ll be the danger man if he plays.
Do you think Clarke can guide Killie to a top 3 finish?
Aberdeen and Hearts have bigger budgets, never mind Rangers and Celtic, but I don’t see any reason why not. Killie have been really consistent under Clarke, and actually had the best record of any team across 2018. There’s no real reason to expect a collapse unless there is an injury crisis, because the squad is thin in some areas. Barring that though, I’d expect Killie to absolutely be in contention for top three, and I can’t see any reason they can’t do it.
Final Score?
My Journalist side says Celtic win, my Killie fan side says Killie win…so I’ll for a draw! 1-1.
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Celtic’s domestic form in 2019 has been sublime but, more often than not, Steve Clarke and his confident compact Killie side have been Celtic’s undoing and they will be looking to take full advantage of any signs of a Europa League hangover.
