Celtic have failed to reach the performance level they had set before the recent international break in the three games they have played since. Two consecutive 2-0 success (away to St Mirren and at home to Partick Thistle) preceded a lethargic and laboured draw with Inverness on Saturday. They face the Highlanders again on Sunday in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup but before that, the Hoops have their game in hand as they host Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. A win would see them go eight points clear of second placed Aberdeen who, to their immense credit, are continuing to mount a challenge for the title.
Gary Locke was installed as Kilmarnock’s permanent manager a fortnight ago after a brief spell as caretaker following the sacking of Allan Johnston. The Ayrshire outfit have not been in the best of form of late, though, losing three straight and winning only two of their last 13 games in the Scottish Premiership. Locke and his players will just be beginning to look over their shoulders as the clubs behind them, namely Ross County and Motherwell, are beginning to motor in the latter stages of the season. Killie are a point clear of County and a further six clear of ‘Well. This of course is their game in hand and if they could manage to get any sort of positive result here, it could prove pivotal to avoid finishing second bottom and entering the end of season play-offs.
Ronny Delia fielded his strongest team on Saturday as he looked to secure all three points and possibly allow a few of his big players to start from the bench on Wednesday. By only getting a draw it means the Celtic manager is not afforded that same luxury as he will not want to drop any further points with the league far from secured. Last Wednesday’s win over Thistle was their 12th home win of the campaign. It may not be their most resounding home record in recent seasons, but opposition teams find it very difficult to score at Celtic Park. Only two visitig teams have breached the home defence in the last nine games.
As you would expect from a club struggling towards the foot of the table, Kilmarnock have not enjoyed the best of away records this season. They have managed only three wins on their travels all season, each of them coming by the way of a 2-1 score line. Rarely have they been thrashed, though. Their biggest defeat in the road in the league this season was a 3-1 reverse against Dundee United back in November. They lost their most recent away game but before that they drew four successive games. It indicates that although they do not win many on the road, their organisation and approach clearly frustrates home teams.
On paper this looks a bit of a mismatch and that was certainly the case when the two last met at the beginning of January. Celtic were far superior as they strolled to a 2-0 win at Rugby Park and I think we are set for a similar encounter on Wednesday night. The away team will come to frustrate the champions and try to keep in the game for as long as possible. Celtic will have to try and force the game and, as noted above, they have looked a little off their game of late, possibly a lot of games beginning to catch up with them. With another big cup tie ahead of them on Sunday, I wouldn’t be surprised if this game is another low-scoring affair. Another 2-0 home win could be on the cards but I have opted for under 2.5 goals.
Under 2.5 goals 15/8 @ Betvictor
