Celtic gear up to face Kilmarnock in their final challenge before the international break, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Brendan Rodgers has every reason to be pleased, with a solid Champions League performance boosting their confidence and complementing their unbeaten domestic run. As they prepare to defend their league lead, Rodgers may be looking to balance form and fitness, keeping his squad fresh yet formidable.

Celtic’s impressive midweek victory over Leipzig has turned heads across Europe, bringing Brendan Rodgers and his team one step closer to securing knockout-stage football at Parkhead. The dominant performance highlighted Celtic’s growing confidence on the European stage, as Rodgers continues to balance the demands of Champions League ambitions with maintaining their domestic dominance. With momentum on their side, Celtic now look to carry that form into their final league match before the international break.

Kilmarnock will host Celtic at Rugby Park, arriving with just two wins from their last 12 matches in all competitions. Despite their recent struggles, Kilmarnock remains a formidable opponent, especially on their artificial pitch, which always poses challenges for visiting teams. With Celtic’s focus shifting from European success to domestic duties, 67 Hail Hail takes a closer look at how Brendan Rodgers could line up his squad for the crucial match in Ayrshire tomorrow afternoon, aiming to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their position at the top of the Premiership.

Celtic Predicted XI vs Kilmarnock as Bhoys Look to Stay Top

With a grueling schedule of four games in just over a week, all eyes will be on Brendan Rodgers to see whether he sticks to his usual lineup or opts for rotation, especially with the international break looming.

In goal, Kasper Schmeichel is set to retain his place between the sticks after his crucial saves helped Celtic secure a statement 3-1 win over Leipzig in the Champions League. Schmeichel’s experience and leadership have been vital, and his form could prove key as the Bhoys look to maintain their momentum in the league against Kilmarnock.

Central defence is shaping up to be a key talking point, with Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers having formed a solid partnership in recent games. Liam Scales, who has been on the bench recently, may have a chance to return to the starting XI, possibly alongside Carter-Vickers, given his strong performances earlier in the season.

In the full-back positions, despite Anthony Ralston’s freshness, Alistair Johnston is expected to keep his place at right-back before heading off to join the Canadian national team. Greg Taylor will likely start at left-back ahead of Alex Valle, especially after his standout performance in midweek.

In midfield, Callum McGregor will continue his role as the club’s captain, sitting in his usual deep-lying position. The real intrigue lies in who will partner McGregor in midfield, with Celtic likely to face a physically demanding contest. Players like Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate could be crucial in dictating play and providing balance ahead of the skipper.

Paulo Bernardo has been somewhat unlucky not to earn more starts this season, with just seven appearances so far. However, the Portugal Under-21 international will likely get another chance to impress on Sunday, aiming to make a stronger case for a more regular role in the starting XI. Reo Hatate, in excellent form, will retain his place in midfield, while Arne Engels earns a well-deserved rest after a busy stretch.

In the attacking positions, despite the presence of options like James Forrest, Hyunjun Yang, and Luis Palma waiting for a chance, Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are currently undroppable due to their consistent performances. Both are expected to start the match, with the possibility of changes later in the game as Rodgers may look to freshen up his attack during the second half.

Kyogo Furuhashi has been Brendan Rodgers’ preferred centre-forward recently, but with the physical demands of the fixture schedule, Adam Idah is set to lead the line against Kilmarnock. Idah’s physicality and running power will provide a strong focal point, especially on the challenging Rugby Park pitch.

As Celtic aim to rotate their squad to maintain freshness, supporters can expect multiple changes throughout the match from the bench.

Here’s your predicted XI for Celtic vs Kilmarnock:

Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor (c), Bernardo, Hatate; Kuhn, Maeda, Idah.

With this lineup, Rodgers will look to balance experience and energy while keeping his squad sharp ahead of the international break.