Celtic v Kilmarnock: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Celtic won a league and cup double last season with Brendan Rodgers answering some critics on his return to Glasgow.

The Northern Irishman is now targeting a domestic treble this term alongside progress in Europe as the new campaign gets underway this weekend.

Kilmarnock had a fantastic season last term, booking a return to European football. Can they repeat last season's heroics?

Celtic v Kilmarnock betting tips and predictions

Celtic -2 handicap - 11/10

Celtic have laid down a marker in pre-season, picking up some fantastic wins in the USA. They blew away D.C. United 4-0 before claiming a 4-3 victory over Manchester City. Their tour wrapped up with a 4-1 victory over Chelsea, so it's fair to say the Bhoys should be confident ahead of the new campaign.

Celtic have scored 14 times across their last four pre-season games and last season they claimed a massive 13 wins by a three-goal margin or higher. That includes their title-clinching 5-0 win at Kilmarnock, which doesn't bode well for the visitors.

Killie played a very difficult European game against Cercle Brugge in midweek and they return to continental action on Thursday against Tromso. This difficult match comes at an awkward time, which should see Celtic make a high-scoring start to the new season. 

The Bhoys were excellent towards the end of last term and their summer series in the USA suggests they'll make a flying start to the new campaign. Back the champions to clear a -2 handicap at Celtic Park.

Matt O'Riley to score anytime - 13/10

Celtic's player of the season last term was Matt O'Riley, who led the way with 18 league goals for the champions.

The midfielder can do a bit of everything, and his performances have attracted interest from around Europe. With the Denmark international missing out on Euro 2024, a high-profile move could boost his international hopes.

However, Celtic have rejected all interest in O'Riley so far and the midfielder is expected to start in their opening game. The 23-year-old scored the opener against Chelsea last time out and he finished the previous league campaign in formidable form, scoring in each of his final four games.

That run included a brace at Kilmarnock and O'Riley has scored in two of the previous three meetings between these sides. While his future remains uncertain, he should prove too good for Killie this weekend, so take him to score anytime at 13/10.

Daniel Armstrong and Robbie Deas to be booked - 15/2

Kilmarnock are expected to start in a 3-5-2 system on Sunday, a shape which is likely to put a lot of pressure on their full-backs.

Both Daniel Armstrong and Robbie Deas picked up nine bookings in the Premiership last season, so leaving them exposed to Celtic's wide threat could end badly for the pair.

It doesn't help matters that only three Premiership sides averaged more fouls per game than Kilmarnock last season. That tally jumped on the road, where only Ross County committed more infringements.

The visitors are up against it with this clash sandwiched between two key European clashes. Given that they also meet a Celtic side that has piled on the goals in pre-season, this encounter should be tough for the two wing-backs.

With both Armstrong and Deas ranking among the league's most carded players last term, backing the pair to each be booked holds a lot of appeal.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Celtic v Kilmarnock odds

Celtic - 1/6
Draw - 6/1
Kilmarnock - 16/1

View the full market and more odds for Celtic v Kilmarnock on site

Read Celtic v Kilmarnock how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats, team news and more on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.