Despite Celtic’s involvement in the Europa League and various cup competitions domestically, Kilmarnock have actually played more football in 2019 than the Scottish Premiership champions – not that Steve Clarke and his players are complaining.
Kilmarnock Form
Killie continue to enjoy a memorable season, sitting in fourth place going into this weekend’s latest round of fixtures. However, they are now without a win in four, though have been taking on top opposition lately. Last week’s Scottish Cup draw with Rangers was hard-fought and they face a replay next week but Clarke’s revolution should ensure that the East Ayrshire club achieve their aim of a top six finish and they are a difficult team to beat on their 3G pitch, they will able to field Youssouf Mulumbu against his parent club this Sunday.
Celtic Form
Celtic’s home defeat by Valencia on Thursday ended a seven-game winning run. The two goals that the Spanish side scored were the first the Hoops had conceded in the calendar year but Killie’s attack is not as deadly as that of the Primera Liga outfit. That winning run had propelled Celtic six points clear of Rangers at the top of the table and well on course to retain their title but Brendan Rodgers will be asking his players to reset their focus and go again with the run-in looming. Odsonne Edouard and Timothy Weah will both be pressing for recalls to the starting line-up at Rugby Park but the game may come too soon for Kieran Tierney.
Kilmarnock v Celtic Head-to-Heads
Kilmarnock have lost only one of five matches against Celtic since Steve Clarke took charge but that was their last meeting in December. The home side have won their last two games against Celtic at Rugby Park having previously failed to secure a single victory in the league between 2010 and 2017.
Kilmarnock v Celtic Current Best Match Odds
Kilmarnock 13/2, Draw 7/2, Celtic 1/2 (Odds correct at 10.30am February 15)
Kilmarnock v Celtic Predictions
Celtic have an air of invincibility in the Scottish Premiership and, whatever this weekend’s result, should motor on to a sixth successive title since the current format was adopted, though they still trail Rangers in total top-flight titles won. But a trip to Rugby Park off the back of a sobering defeat less than 72 hours earlier is not ideal. Kilmarnock are determined to prove they are worthy of their current standing and the addition of Alex Bruce will help bolster their defence. The 13/2 for a home win with Boylesports is dismissive of their abilities, as are odds of 7/4 for Kilmarnock/Draw in the Double Chance market with the same bookmaker. Jordan Jones is an attractive 15/2 with 888sport to be an Anytime Goalscorer.
