Celtic suffered a 2-0 defeat against Valencia in the first leg of the round of 32 Europa League clash, and will want to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
The defeat against Valencia was Celtic’s first after the winter break, and the fans will hope the side respond when they face Steve Clarke’s side.
The Hoops have a healthy lead at the top of the Premiership table, and will want to keep their good domestic form going.
Celtic Team News
Kieran Tierney is still making his recovery from a hip injury and is unavailable. Filip Benkovic and Tom Rogic remain out of contention as well.
Predicted Celtic Lineup
Defence
Scott Bain couldn’t have done much about the two goals he conceded in the midweek European fixture and is set to keep his place in goal.
Jeremy Toljan has nailed down a place in the starting lineup after his loan move to the Celtic Park from Borussia Dortmund last month. The right-back has not only been sound defensively, but has also provided the attacking impetus, and should keep his place in the Celtic lineup.
Jozo Simunovic might be replaced by Kristoffer Ajer, and the Norwegian is expected to line up alongside Dedryck Boyata in central defence. Emilio Izaguirre might get the nod to start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Valencia dominated the midfield in the Europa League clash as Scott Brown and Callum McGregor failed to impose their dominance. However, the two midfielders are expected to keep their place in central midfield.
Ryan Christie has the calibre to create goal-scoring opportunities for his side. He is likely to operate as the central attacking midfielder.
Attack
Oliver Burke was one of the most ineffective players against Valencia, although the lack of service didn’t help.
Nonetheless, Rodgers might draft Odsonne Edouard into the starting XI to lead the line against the Killie. The Frenchman put in a good display off the bench against Valencia, and did enough to start come Sunday.
While Scott Sinclair could feature on the left-wing, James Forrest is likely to operate on the right.
COME ON THE HOOPS.
When is Rogers going to realise playing football in your own back yard with inferior quality defenders, and his system of inviting players onto his shaky defence simply does not work,Jock stein, and Martin o, Neil never used this system and they never done too badly in Europe, also where is his plan B,..he obviously does not have one