news-engine

← celtic

Kilmarnock Vs Celtic: Team News, Kick-Off Time & TV Channel | Latest Celtic News

· Mark Devlin · 2026-08-07 · nguồn gốc

Celtic are on the road for the first time in the new Scottish Premiership season. Kilmarnock host the champions this Sunday as they look for their first win of the league campaign. Celtic, meanwhile, aim to make it six points from their opening two games. Benjamin Nygren was the hero as he scored the only goal of the game in the Hoops’ opening match. A brilliant Kieran Tierney delivery was headed in by the Swede early in the second half. Callum McGregor unfurled the 25/26 league flag before kick-off as fans looked forward to seeing new signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh in action. Hogh had chances to score on his debut but could not find the back of the net. Duran started the match out on the right wing and failed to make any real impression on things. He scored three in as many games during pre-season while playing through the middle, giving Martin O’Neill food for thought for future formations. Kilmarnock suffered an opening-day defeat to newly-promoted St Johnstone in what was perhaps the game of the weekend from a neutral perspective. A seven-goal thriller fell the Perthshire side’s way as Neil McCann publicly voiced his frustration at Kilmarnock’s performance. It remains to be seen whether O’Neill is on the touchline for this weekend’s game as he underwent a “small procedure” in hospital in recent days. Health comes first, and Shaun Maloney would be capable of taking proceedings from the dugout in his absence. How to Watch The game will be shown live on Sky Sports, with kick-off at 1.30 pm. The programme build-up and studio discussion starts at 12.30 pm. Team News Speculation surrounding Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels’ futures have been at the forefront in recent days. Everton have reportedly cooled their interest in Johnston, while the Hoops are braced for another West Ham bid for Engels. They both started in the win over Dundee and are expected to be in the squad for Sunday’s clash. Liam Scales remains suspended after racking up too many yellow cards last season. The 12-card threshold was breached in the penultimate league clash at Motherwell, but due to the ban kicking in later, he was eligible for the final-day title win over Hearts. He will be available for Celtic’s League Cup clash with Dundee United on August 15. Kieran Tierney was subbed off against Dundee, but there is no indication that he is carrying an injury. Paulo Bernardo departed on loan to Polish side Gornik Zabrze. Johnny Kenny remains sidelined through injury and didn’t feature in any pre-season friendlies. He remains of interest to Bolton Wanderers, where he spent the second-half of last season on loan. Kasper Hogh is set for his second start and will be hoping to find the net this time. It will be interesting to see what is done with Camilo Duran, who didn’t look comfortable out on the right wing on Monday night. Predicted XI Viljami Sinisalo; Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney; Callum McGregor (C), Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren; Yang, James Forrest, Kasper Hogh. Final Notes While new arrival Duran doesn’t particularly warrant being dropped, the one-up-top will possibly suit Hogh better, and O’Neill may opt for switching things. There is unlikely to be a change in formation from the start so early into the season. It could mean James Forrest returns to the starting XI. A second successive league win and clean sheet is firmly in sight. Despite Kilmarnock shipping four goals in their opener, they cannot be underestimated. A new grass pitch has been laid down at Rugby Park, meaning their players will be getting to grips with the new home surface.