After the highs of a 3-1 win over German giants RB Leipzig, in what Brendan Rodgers described as a “generational performance”, Celtic travel to Kilmarnock to resume league duty. Home to a plastic pitch, the Champions have lost two of their last three visits there, albeit the last visit was an emphatic 5-0 victory. Derek McInnes’s men started the season slowly, including a 4-0 loss at Celtic Park in the reverse fixture. However, they have picked up some form, losing just two of their last nine games in all competitions. Here on Last Word on Football, we provide our Celtic Predicted Lineup for this anticipated clash.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Kilmarnock
How Celtic Have Lined up Recently
Rodgers made just one change on Wednesday night, with Greg Taylor replacing Alex Valle. After the Barcelona loanee’s impressive performances, Taylor had big shoes to fill and he did just that, producing an excellent display. The 27-year-old was instrumental in playing through the Leipzig press and played a major role in Nicolas Kuhn’s second goal. Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers put in colossal performances with Alistair Johnson to their right providing so much in attack.
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As predicted, Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate combined to complete a dynamic midfield three which excelled on the night. In front of them was the ever-impressive Kuhn, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
In seventeen games this season, only an away trip to last season’s Champions League runners up has seen them come up empty handed. Draws to Aberdeen and Atalanta have forced the sharing of spoils, while the other fourteen have been victories. Most recently of course, the Hoops made it seven points from four games in this Champions League campaign with an outstanding 3-1 victory over Marco Rose’s RB Leipzig.
Out of possession they were so brave, as shown in their second goal. With Leipzig forced into their corner, Kyogo, Maeda, McGregor, Hatate and Taylor swarmed their area. At first it seems as though the Germans crafted their way through, and the men in green and white could have been forgiven for giving up on the ball and trying to protect themselves from a counter-attack. Instead they continue to probe away with Taylor completing the final step to regain the ball.
All over the park, we saw the counter pressing that Rodgers has been demanding since day one; not only did they compete technically but they competed on a physical level against a side that is renowned for just that.
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On the ball, the Champions of Scotland were just, if not more, impressive. They were resistant to the press of Leipzig, particularly on the left hand side; meanwhile in attack they combined terrifically on the right.
Engels, Johnson and Kuhn created triangles, whilst McGregor and Hatate ran the show in the central areas.
On Sunday though, it’s a different style of challenge, on a stuffy park against a determined outfit.
In last seasons victory over Kilmarnock, Adam Idah was used effectively with the Irishman able to drop deep and hold the ball up, we may see something similar this time around.
Injuries to Consider
Kuhn suffered a slight hamstring scare on Wednesday night, although it seemed nothing serious. Trusty recovered from an ankle knock as well to play the rest of the 90. Although, the Celtic boss told on Friday that it wasn’t clear yet whether those with slight knocks will be available.
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One thing is for sure, a recently returned Carter-Vickers won’t be risked on a plastic pitch.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
No changes in goal, but Carter-Vickers will be given a rest. Paulo Bernardo will be rewarded for a great substitute appearance midweek, meanwhile McGregor and Hatate will keep the continuity. Kuhn may be rested due to fitness, with Yang taking his place who looked bright in his spell. Idah will lead the line along side Maeda.
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Greg Taylor
Callum McGregor
Paulo Bernardo
Reo Hatate
Yang
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda
