Celtic players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
After a round of cup fixtures at the weekend, it’s time now for the Scottish Premiership to return to action following a long winter break.
Celtic romped home to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Patrick Thistle in Round 4 of the Scottish Cup on Saturday and the Hoops will be the outright favourites when they make the trip to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.
Having played a game more, Neil Lennon’s side are currently two points clear of arch-rivals Rangers atop the league standings, and they will be hoping to strengthen their title credentials against Killie, who thrashed Queen’s Park 6-0 in the Scottish Cup at the weekend.
Jozo Simunovic returned to action against Patrick Thistle in the Scottish Cup following a long injury layoff while Jonny Hayes also returned from his spell on the sidelines to feature in the matchday squad.
Mo Elyounoussi and Hatem Abd Elhamed continue to be on the treatment table while Ryan Christie is set to miss the trip to Rugby Park due to the two-game suspension he had picked up for his violent conduct in the Old Firm derby back in December.
The Southampton loanee has established himself as the undisputed first-choice in goal for the Hoops this season and he is expected to retain his spot in the eleven.
The former Man City starlet has made a massive impression in his debut season at Parkhead and Lennon should continue to rely on him.
The Frenchman is one of the mainstays of Celtic’s backline and he should once again find himself among the starters for this one.
The Norwegian has been a regular fixture at the back for the Hoops and he should be ready to start after being rested for the cup tie.
Greg Taylor put in a good shift against Partick Thistle but the Belgian has been the first-choice left-back for Lennon.
An epitome of experience and unwavering consistency, the veteran continues to be a key cog in Celtic’s midfield and there is no reason why he shouldn’t start once again on Wednesday.
The Scottish international capped off a fine all-round display with a goal in the cup tie and he should be high on confidence ahead of the trip to Rugby Park.
One of the key component’s of Celtic’s forward line, Forrest was rested against Patrick Thistle on Saturday but he is expected to return to the eleven to face Killie.
The academy graduate has looked very impressive whenever he has been handed an opportunity and he could get another start in the absence of Christie and Elyounoussi.
The Australian international put in a splendid performance on his return to the eleven on Saturday and he deserves a start ahead of Ntcham for this one.
The Frenchman continues to be Celtic’s key goal threat up top and the fans will be hoping for him to deliver the goods once again.