Celtic got themselves a big result in their previous game, winning 3-2 against the Rangers. That sent them twelve points clear at the top of the table, with just seven games left to be played. Thus, Ange Postecoglou’s team are clear favourites to go on and win the league title from here on forward.
At the same time though, one has to recognise that there is still some way to go in the title race. Thus, Celtic cannot rest on their laurels just yet, as long as the race is not mathematically over.
Their next game could be a tricky one. The Hoops will make the trip to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock. Derek McInnes’ side are trying to stay up in the Premiership right now, thus, this is a huge match for them as well.
Celtic look set to be without four of their players for the game in Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston. Postecoglou has confirmed that everyone who missed last week will be out again. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the manager told Sky Sports Scotland:
"“No real change from last week. All the boys who missed last week will miss out again. All of them are working their way back to be involved in the next week or so, but at the moment it’s the status quo.”"
Four Celtic players ruled out of game vs Kilmarnock
The big miss will surely be Hatate. The Hoops have struggled to build up any rhythm in the middle of the park in recent weeks, without the presence of the Japanese midfielder. It is not a co-incidence that their performance levels have dropped in the games that he has missed.
On the other hand, Abada would be a miss as well as he has the ability to change a game from the bench. But it does feel like the Hoops will be able to cope without Ralston and Forrest at the moment.
Of course, Celtic have to be considered the favourites in the game against Kilmarnock. Anything can happen in football though and let’s hope, the Bhoys will take their A-game to Rugby Park.