In an intriguing pre-season friendly, Ayr United will host Scottish champions Celtic at Somerset Park on Friday night.
Both teams will be using this match as an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and assess their squads ahead of the new season. Here's a detailed look at what to expect from this encounter.
Ayr United's Form and Ambitions
Ayr United, under the management of Scott Brown, will be keen to maintain their perfect pre-season record.
Brown, a former Celtic player, has led Ayr to seven wins and three draws in his 17 games in charge.
After a challenging season that saw them narrowly avoid relegation, Ayr United is focused on bouncing back stronger in the upcoming Scottish Championship season.
Celtic's Preparation and Key Players
Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, comes into this match with high expectations.
Rodgers, returning to Celtic after a successful spell at Leicester City, has already guided the Bhoys to domestic success, winning the Scottish Cup and Premiership last season.
While Celtic is yet to make significant summer signings, they are keen on securing key loan players and retaining star midfielder Matt O'Riley amid Premier League interest.
Team News and Lineups
Ayr United
Ayr will miss striker Anton Davis, who has returned to Partick Thistle. The attacking responsibilities will now rest on Mark McKenzie.
New signings like Scott McMann and Marco Rus are expected to make their Somerset Park debuts.
Ayr United Predicted Starting XI: Stone; Stanger, Reading, McMann, Watret; Dempsey, Rus, Henderson; Oakley, Dowds, McKenzie
Celtic
Celtic will be without several international players. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are unavailable due to extended breaks after their respective national team duties. Anthony Ralston is also unlikely to feature.
Celtic Predicted Starting XI: Bain; Welsh, Nawrocki, Scales, Lagerbielke; Hatate, Iwata, O'Riley; Kuhn, Maeda, Furuhashi
Match Prediction
With Ayr United already having two pre-season games under their belt, they may initially look sharper than Celtic.
However, Celtic’s superior quality and depth should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Our Prediction: Ayr United 0-3 Celtic
Celtic 
Ayr United 
