Celtic v Kilmarnock predictions for this Scottish Premiership match. Celtic will start their 2024-25 Scottish Premiership title defence against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Sunday. Read on for all our Scottish Premiership predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Aug 4, 2024 at 4.30pm UK Celtic Park
Celtic vs Kilmarnock Predictions
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Can Celtic Maintain Their Dominance in the Scottish Premiership Opener Against Kilmarnock?
Key Stats
Celtic have won 13 of their last 16 matches and have not lost at home in their last 63 top-flight games.
Kilmarnock have only won three of their last 13 away matches and have a poor away record.
Kyogo Furuhashi has been in excellent pre-season form, making him a strong candidate to score against Kilmarnock.
As Celtic gear up to defend their Scottish Premiership title, they face a determined Kilmarnock side at Celtic Park. This match marks the beginning of the 2024-25 season, with Celtic looking to build on their impressive pre-season form and Kilmarnock aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish last term.
Match Preview
Celtic are entering this season with high expectations, having secured their 54th top-flight title last season. They not only led the league in goals scored (95) but also had the best defensive record, conceding just 30 goals. Their success continued in the Scottish Cup, where they triumphed over Rangers with a last-minute winner from Adam Idah.
However, manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed concerns about the current squad’s quality compared to last season, despite their stellar pre-season performances. Celtic’s pre-season included impressive victories over Manchester City and Chelsea, with their 4-1 win against Chelsea highlighting their attacking prowess. Celtic’s form is undeniable, winning 13 of their last 16 matches and maintaining a formidable record at Celtic Park, where they have lost just once in their last 63 top-flight games.
On the other hand, Kilmarnock managed to finish fourth last season, earning a spot in the Europa League qualifiers. Their offensive and defensive records were mid-table, with 46 goals scored and 44 conceded. Under Derek McInnes, Kilmarnock have shown resilience, although their away form remains a concern, having won only three of their last 13 matches on the road.
Team News
Celtic may have to do without new signing Paulo Bernardo, who is still working on his fitness, while Maik Nawrocki remains a doubt despite returning to training. Kasper Schmeichel is expected to make his competitive debut for Celtic, and the ever-reliable Matt O'Riley is likely to feature despite recent transfer speculation.
Kilmarnock have injury concerns of their own, with Joe Wright's availability in doubt following an injury against Cercle Brugge. Robbie Deas is suspended, and Oliver Bainbridge might debut after his loan move from Sunderland.
Expected Lineups
Celtic Possible Starting Lineup: Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Palma
Kilmarnock Possible Starting Lineup: McCrorie; Mayo, Lyons, Findlay, Bainbridge; McKenzie, Donnelly, Watson; Armstrong, Vassell, Kennedy
Celtic's lineup indicates a strong emphasis on midfield control and attacking width, with O'Riley and McGregor orchestrating play. Furuhashi's pace and movement upfront, supported by Palma and Kuhn, will be crucial.
Kilmarnock, likely to adopt a more defensive approach, will rely on the creativity of Armstrong and the physical presence of Vassell to challenge Celtic's backline.
Key Duels and Areas of Decision
The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Celtic's trio of O'Riley, McGregor, and Hatate expected to dominate possession. Kilmarnock's McKenzie and Donnelly must disrupt Celtic's rhythm to give their side a chance.
On the flanks, the matchup between Celtic's Ralston and Kilmarnock's Armstrong could be decisive. Armstrong's ability to exploit space and create chances will be key for Kilmarnock.
Gameplay Analysis
Celtic will likely control possession and press high, utilising their full-backs to stretch Kilmarnock's defence. Their fluid attacking play, characterised by quick interchanges and off-the-ball movement, will be difficult for Kilmarnock to contain.
Kilmarnock, conversely, will look to stay compact defensively, absorb pressure, and hit on the counter. Their set-piece threat, especially with Armstrong's delivery, could pose problems for Celtic.
Managerial Analysis
Brendan Rodgers (Celtic): Rodgers' tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players have been crucial for Celtic's success. However, his recent comments about squad quality might indicate underlying issues that need addressing. Despite these concerns, his track record suggests he can guide Celtic to another successful season.
Derek McInnes (Kilmarnock): McInnes has done well to stabilise Kilmarnock and improve their league standing. However, his conservative tactics and inability to adapt in high-pressure games have often been criticised. To compete with teams like Celtic, McInnes needs to be more proactive and willing to take calculated risks.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Teams
Celtic's Strengths:
- Strong defensive organisation and experienced goalkeeper in Schmeichel.
- Creative and dynamic midfield led by O'Riley and McGregor.
- Effective pressing and high tempo play.
Celtic's Weaknesses:
- Potential over-reliance on key players like Furuhashi and O'Riley.
- Concerns about squad depth, as highlighted by Rodgers.
Kilmarnock's Strengths:
- Solid defensive foundation, capable of frustrating opponents.
- Set-piece proficiency, particularly through Armstrong's delivery.
Kilmarnock's Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent away form and vulnerability against high-pressing teams.
- Lack of offensive firepower to trouble top defences consistently.
Predictions
Best Bet: Celtic to Win to Nil
Celtic's defensive robustness, coupled with Kilmarnock's relatively modest offensive capabilities, makes this prediction particularly compelling. Celtic's backline, bolstered by the experienced Kasper Schmeichel, has shown exceptional resilience, evidenced by their low goal concession rate last season and strong pre-season performances.
Celtic's high pressing and organised defence, led by the likes of Carter-Vickers and Taylor, ensure that opposition attacks are stifled early. Kilmarnock, despite their commendable efforts last season, have struggled to break down solid defences, especially away from home. Their limited attacking output, as seen in their goal statistics from the previous season, further supports the likelihood of them failing to score against a well-drilled Celtic side. Hence, a win to nil for Celtic appears a sound prediction.
Correct Score Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock
Given Celtic's attacking prowess and Kilmarnock's defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-0 victory for the home side is a logical forecast. Celtic's ability to create and convert chances has been on full display, not only last season but also in their pre-season friendlies where they consistently scored multiple goals.
With key players like Furuhashi and Palma in excellent form, Celtic are expected to dominate the attacking play. Kilmarnock, on the other hand, have a history of conceding goals against top-tier teams, and their defensive frailties, especially when playing away, are well documented. This scoreline reflects Celtic's capacity to control the game and exploit defensive lapses while maintaining a strong defensive stance themselves.
Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi to Score Anytime
Kyogo Furuhashi's sharpness in front of goal and his consistent pre-season form make him a prime candidate to score against Kilmarnock. His movement off the ball, combined with his clinical finishing, poses a significant threat to any defence. Furuhashi has a knack for finding space in the box and is often the focal point of Celtic's attacking plays.
Given Celtic's expected dominance in possession and their ability to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Furuhashi is likely to find himself in prime positions to score. His impressive goal tally from last season and his current form suggest that he will continue to be a key figure in Celtic's attack, making him a strong bet to find the net in this match.
Corner Prediction: Celtic to Win the Corner Count
Celtic's attacking style, characterised by their wide play and frequent crossing, often leads to a high number of corners. Their ability to sustain pressure and keep the ball in advanced positions forces the opposition to concede corners regularly. Last season, Celtic averaged a significant number of corners per game, a trend that has continued into their pre-season matches.
Kilmarnock, who are likely to adopt a more defensive approach, will be pressed into conceding corners as they try to repel Celtic's attacks. Given Celtic's tactical emphasis on exploiting the flanks and their high possession stats, they are expected to dominate the corner count, potentially accruing around 8-10 corners during the game.
Innovative Market Prediction: Matt O'Riley to Register an Assist
Matt O'Riley's role as a playmaker in Celtic's midfield makes him an excellent candidate to provide an assist in this match. His vision and ability to deliver precise passes in the final third are integral to Celtic's attacking strategies. O'Riley's knack for unlocking defences with his creative play is supported by his assist record from last season and his pre-season form.
Given Kilmarnock's defensive approach, Celtic will rely on O'Riley to break down their defence with key passes. His understanding with forwards like Furuhashi and Palma enhances the likelihood of him setting up a goal. With Celtic expected to dominate possession and create numerous chances, O'Riley's influence in the midfield will be crucial, making him a strong bet to register at least one assist.
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