Scottish Premiership
Jan 5, 2015 8.00pm
0
2
HT : 0 1
FT
  • Mark Connolly 7' yellowcard
  • Jamie Hamill 66' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Kris Commons 18'
  • goal Emilio Izaguirre 36'
  • yellowcard Emilio Izaguirre 45'
  • goal Stefan Scepovic 72'

Preview: Kilmarnock vs. Celtic

Kilmarnock vs. Celtic

Celtic will be looking to reclaim top spot in the Scottish Premiership when they travel to Kilmarnock on Monday.

The Bhoys have surrendered first place to Aberdeen after collecting just one point from their last two matches.

The Dons have won five matches in a row to erase Celtic's cushion at the summit, but Ronny Deila is unconcerned by their good form and has complete faith that his side will clinch the title this season.

John Guidetti rediscovering his form will help the reigning champions return to top gear. The 0-0 draw with Ross County on December 27 was the fifth game in a row in which the Swede has failed to score.

The Manchester City loanee, who has 11 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season, is usually partnered by Anthony Stokes, but the striker is an injury doubt for the trip to Rugby Park.

Stefan Scepovic and Leigh Griffiths are fighting to fill that void, while Callum McGregor could also be recalled to a Celtic side which has had four more days rest than their opponents ahead of this match, with their New Year's Day match against Patrick Thistle having been abandoned.

Allan Johnston has been forced to rotate over the bust Christmas period, but it has not prevented them from recording consecutive victories which have seen them close the gap on the top six.

Regular such as Manuel Pascali and Jamie Hamill could be welcomed back, but key midfielder Temitope Obadeyi is still unavailable and Craig Slater suspended after his red card in the 2-1 win at St Mirren.

Killy have lost their last six games against Celtic, including a 2-0 defeat at Parkhead earlier this term.

Kilmarnock:

Form in Scottish Premiership: LDLLWW Form in all competitions: LDLLWW

Possible starting lineup: Samson; Connolly, Muirhead, Hamill; Barber, Ashcroft, Eremenko, Chantler, Pascali; Magennis, McKenzie

Celtic:

Form in Scottish Premiership: WWWWLD Form in all competitions: WWLWLD

Possible starting lineup: Gordon; Matthews, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton, Johanson, McGregor; Griffiths, Guidetti

Sports Mole says: 0-2

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POLL
Who will win Monday's Scottish Premiership clash between Kilmarnock at Celtic at Rugby Park?
Kilmarnock 16%
Celtic 79%
Draw 5%
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