8th April 2016 Kickoff: 1500hrs Celtic v Kilmarnock Football – Scotland – Scottish Premiership It has been a fantastic few days for Celtic supporters who celebrated clinching another title to make it to six in a row, before news being revealed on Friday that Brendan Rodgers has signed a new four year deal with the club. It should ensure something of a party atmosphere as Kilmarnock come to town. The Ayrshire club will not be there to make up the numbers, though, as they have plenty of their own still to play for, namely a finish in the top six.
There has been a feel good factor around Celtic for pretty much the whole season but the last few days have certainly added to that. Rodgers has been so impressive in every aspect of his management since arriving last May and it is sadly inevitable that the media begin to link him with a move back to the Premier League. The club have acted quickly to quell any of those fears and it signals their commitment to progressing on what has been achieved in the less than a full season. The Hoops were scintillating in the 5-0 demolition against Hearts last Sunday, underlining just how dominant they have been domestically. It was something of a comedown on Wednesday when Partick came to town and held the newly crowned champions to a draw. Rodgers did – as expected – choose to use his squad in midweek and he may well do so in this one. Although Celtic are attempting to go through their domestic campaign unbeaten, the really crucial game is the semi-final against Rangers in a fortnight’s time whilst the manager is also keen to give his key players as much rest as possible as he looks ahead to the Champions League qualifiers which begin in early July.
Kilmarnock were expected to be mired in a relegation battle this season but to their credit they have been the one team in the current bottom six who have been able to give themselves enough breathing space to look upwards in the table. That achievement is even more impressive when you consider they lose previous manager Lee Clark earlier this year when he elected to move to Bury. Lee McCulloch, who was assistant to Clark, was entrusted with the job and he has continued the club’s good run of form – so much so that they are still targeting a place in the top six. The current situation sees them in seventh and four points adrift of Partick Thistle. With just two games left before the league splits in two it means they have an uphill battle on their hands and would have been disappointed that Thistle were able to grab a surprise point against Celtic last time out. Killie were again impressive in the stalemate with Rangers at Rugby Park on the same night and could have even won the game in the closing stages. With the Jags at home to Motherwell tomorrow Kilmarnock will be hoping ‘Well can do them a favour, however they have to concentrate on their own performance and hope to sneak a surprise result of their own.
Celtic v Kilmarnock Betting Tip
We’re come to the end of the first phase of the Scottish Premiership and whilst the title is wrapped up already, there remains plenty to play for at both ends of the table. Kilmarnock have just about achieve their main priority which was staying in the division, however a place in the top six remains a possibility – even if it’s improbable. Celtic may not have the same motivation and desire as they have throughout most of the season but the unbeaten record is still very much a target with just seven games left.
The good news continued for Celtic this week as Moussa Dembele returned to training having missed the last couple of games through injury. He may be unlikely to start the game but it should represent a good opportunity for him to come off the bench as he tries to find full fitness before the semi-final. Tom Rogic is another man on the comeback trail and having come off the bench on Wednesday he may well be looking for his first start since December. Kilmarnock have made it difficult for Celtic already this season when the Hoops ran out 1-o winners in November but they were heavily beaten 6-1 when the two clashed at Celtic Park. Killie are also the second lowest scorers in the league which does not bode well for them when needing a result.
There will be an extra buzz around Celtic Park tomorrow and it’s the sort of occasion that this team have really taken advantage of throughout the season. Kilmarnock will do their utmost to ensure that is not the case but everything looks in place for a resounding home win. The champions have won 10 of their home games in the league without conceding and that’s the bet to go for again.
Celtic to win to nil 4/5 @ Stan James
