Celtic vs Kilmarnock Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more

The Scottish Premiership commences this weekend and Celtic will look take the first steps to retaining their title

 
7:15am on Sunday 4th August 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

Celtic begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title by hosting Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Sunday.

In 2023/14, the Hoops were crowned champions after finishing eight points clear of arch rivals, Rangers.

Killie also had a superb season and finished fourth.

Celtic current form

This is Celtic's first competitive game of the season but in pre-season friendlies they have been hugely impressive, earning victories against Manchester City, Chelsea, DC United and Queen's Park, while they drew 1-1 with Ayr.

They may have been friendlies, but the manner of the 4-3 and 4-1 wins over the Premier League sides provide cause for optimism.

Kilmarnock current form

Unlike Celtic, Kilmarnock have played competitive games already this season in Europa League qualification.

Unfortunately for the Ayrshire outfit, they were eliminated 2-1 on aggregate against Cercle Brugge.

They drew the first match 1-1 at Rugby Park before narrowly losing 1-0 in Belgium.

Celtic vs Kilmarnock Team News

Ominously for Killie, Brendan Rodgers has a full squad to choose from for the league opener as none of his players are carrying significant injuries.

On the transfer front, things have been relatively quiet for the champions as only three players have arrived so far - two goalkeepers in Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo, while Paulo Bernardo made his move from Benfica permanent.

Expect Schmeichel to start this one.

As for Killie, they don't have any major injuries but fitness issues will be of concern to Derek McInnes as his players put a hell of a lot of effort into the European game on Thursday. Various players will be assessed on the day.

Scoreline Prediction

Kilmarnock simply don't have a squad fit for fighting on multiple fronts and their players will be feeling fatigued from the Cercle Brugge loss.

Expect full-strength Celtic to blow them away.

Celtic 5-0 Kilmarnock

For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.

FAQs

What was the score the last time Celtic played Kilmarnock? The last time Celtic played Kilmarnock, they were crowned champions after a comprehensive 5-0 win at Rugby Park.

What time does the match kick-off? The game commences at 1630 GMT.

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