Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with his team’s recent performances, as a solid run in the Champions League has complemented their unbeaten streak in domestic competition.
Celtic’s impressive victory over Leipzig earlier this week garnered attention across Europe, with the Irishman edging closer to securing a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League at Parkhead, beyond the group phase.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
| 1 |  Celtic |
10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 3 | 26 | 28 |
| 2 |  Aberdeen |
10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 11 | 28 |
| 3 |  Rangers |
10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  Dundee Utd |
11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 16 |
On the other hand, Kilmarnock come into this match with just two wins in their last 12 games across all competitions. However, they remain a tough opponent at Rugby Park, particularly with their artificial surface making it a tricky place for visiting teams.
With that in mind, Celtic’s post-European focus shifts to their next challenge, and *67 Hail Hail* takes a look at how the Bhoys could line up in Ayrshire tomorrow afternoon.
### Celtic Predicted XI vs Kilmarnock as Bhoys Look to Stay Top
With a grueling fixture schedule of four matches in just over a week, it will be interesting to see whether Brendan Rodgers sticks with his preferred starting XI or opts to rotate his squad, especially with the international break approaching.
In goal, Kasper Schmeichel is expected to retain his spot after a series of crucial saves against Leipzig, playing a key role in Celtic’s impressive European victory.
The central defensive pairing is likely to be a point of competition, with Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers having been used together in recent matches. Liam Scales, who has dropped to the bench recently, could get a chance to partner Carter-Vickers in this one.
At right-back, despite Anthony Ralston’s fresh legs, Alistair Johnston is likely to keep his place before heading off to join up with the Canada squad. Meanwhile, Greg Taylor should start ahead of Alex Valle, given his strong performance against Leipzig and his previous connection with Kilmarnock.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will again anchor the midfield in his usual deep-lying role, wearing the captain’s armband. The big question is who will partner him in the middle of the park for a physical encounter at Rugby Park.
Paulo Bernardo has been unfortunate not to get more game time this season, but he is expected to start on Sunday, giving him another chance to prove himself. Reo Hatate has been in excellent form and is a lock for the starting XI, while Arne Engels will likely be rested.
On the wings, despite the availability of James Forrest, Hyunjun Yang, and Luis Palma, Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are in irresistible form right now and are expected to start, though there is a possibility of rotation in the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi has been Celtic’s preferred striker in recent weeks, but due to the physical nature of the game and the importance of a focal point in attack, Adam Idah is set to start up front, bringing his strength and work rate to the forefront at Rugby Park.
With squad rotation in mind, Celtic fans can expect to see changes throughout the game, particularly from the bench.
Predicted XI:
Schmeichel
Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor
McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate
Kuhn, Maeda, Idah.
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