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Celtic vs. Kilmarnock: Starting XI’s and Analysis

By Andrew Coppens

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 31: Scott Sinclair (L) of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team mate Leigh Griffiths (R) during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 31: Scott Sinclair (L) of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team mate Leigh Griffiths (R) during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Celtic have clinched the SPFL title, but following a 1-1 draw with Glasgow rivals Partick Thistle at the mid-week, you can bet the Bhoys are none too happy at the moment.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is one happy man though, having signed a brand new four-year contract with Celtic yesterday. Perhaps the combined news is motivation for Celtic to return to form?

If Celtic want to take the day off, they will be sorely mistaken as they face the other team in the battle for the sixth spot in the Scottish Premiership table — Kilmarnock. How will the two teams line up though?

Let’s take a look at the Starting XI’s for both squads ahead of the matchup

Celtic Starting XI:

Kilmarnock Starting XI:

Analysis:

After making plenty of changes to the usual Starting XI during the mid-week, Rodgers appears to be going back to as normal of a lineup as possible against Killie. We see the return of captain Scott Brown to the lineup in the middle of the park for one.

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Additional regulars returning to the lineup include Dedryck Boyata, James Forrest, Stuart Armstrong and Kieran Tierney — who all missed the Partick Thistle match as starters.

Once again, the formation of this team will be intriguing to watch. It appears that there will likely be a three-man back line with Tierney moving forward as a winger and Lusting, Simunovic and Boyata manning the defensive line.

There’s still no out-and-out striker in the Hoops Starting XI or on the bench either. Instead, Rodgers will count on a three-man attack with Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair teaming up with Callum McGregor or Stuart Armstrong up top.

With the lack of goals in the Partick Thistle matchup from the three-man look up top it will be interesting to see how that group responds against Killie.

Can Roberts work his one-on-one magic and create chances for others and himself? With Brown back in the lineup it should be a big help to those looking to concentrate on the attack.

One interesting note is the inclusion of young goalkeeper Connor Hazard in to the bench. It is his first appearance on the team sheet for the full squad after impressing all season on the developmental side.

Clearly Rodgers has one eye on the here and now and another on the future of this club.

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