Celtic will shift their focus from European exploits to domestic duties this weekend as they travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
Fresh off a rousing Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the table.
While the midweek win at Parkhead captivated fans, the trip to face Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock is no less significant. The travelling support will be well aware that every point matters as Celtic aim to stay ahead in a tight title race.
Currently, Celtic sit atop the Premiership on goal difference. However, with Aberdeen set to face Dundee on Saturday, Rodgers knows his side could be temporarily displaced by the time they kick off on Sunday. Ensuring they head into the international break with a win will be paramount.
Derek McInnes on Countering Celtic’s Form
Speaking on the Warm-Up podcast, Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes offered his thoughts on Celtic’s recent form and outlined how his side plan to combat the Hoops’ attacking threat.
McInnes admitted to being impressed by Celtic’s midweek display but remained confident in his team’s ability to compete.
“You see Leipzig, who got really after them. Effectively 4-4-2 out of possession, really chasing them down, and at spells, had Celtic rocked (for) maybe 10-15 minutes.
“But Celtic played their game and still got through. I think the level of performance for Celtic at the minute is really strong. I thought it was a very mature performance, particularly the closing part of the second half the other night, and they’ve got players, if they’ve got space to work, they’ll work the space.
“The speed can be devastating, so we’ve got to try as a team to limit the opportunities for them to exploit that,” McInnes continued.
“Good players will find solutions to get to you, and we’ve just got to make sure we’re as organised and as compact as possible, but try and be as much us as possible.”
McInnes added that the familiarity of his squad with Celtic’s strengths could work to Kilmarnock’s advantage.
“The players aren’t daft,” he noted.
“They’ve seen Celtic playing and winning on Tuesday night, but we’ve got to make the reference that every player who will play on Sunday, the majority of them would’ve played last season.”
Celtic Prepared for Rugby Park’s Challenges
Celtic will once again contend with the artificial surface at Rugby Park, a factor that can slightly alter the dynamics of the game. However, Rodgers’ men will be expected to adapt and deliver.
Kilmarnock have a reputation for making life difficult for visiting teams, but Celtic’s recent record against them is formidable. The Hoops have scored nine goals without reply in their last two encounters with the Ayrshire side.
With momentum on their side, Celtic will be eager to end this run of fixtures on a high, ensuring they head into the international break with confidence and their lead intact.