Kick-off: 1630, 09/08/2020
Stadium: Rugby Park
TV: Sky Sports
Celtic have claimed six straight Scottish Premiership wins over Kilmarnock and are hot favourites to extend that sequence at Rugby Park on Sunday.
However, Killie did at least manage to get on the scoresheet in all three meetings last term and are fancied to grab a consolation goal again here.
We’re going with 9/5 for an away win and both teams to score for our first Kilmarnock vs Celtic prediction.
A Look At Kilmarnock’s Betting Odds
Kilmarnock have made a number of changes since finishing a respectable eighth last season but Alex Dyer is a popular boss, having impressed as assistant to Steve Clarke.
Killie kicked off the current campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Hibs, with young keeper Jake Eastwood having a debut to forget before coming off at half-time.
However, Chris Burke pulled one back for the visitors with a stunning free-kick and they pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half.
Burke stung the palms of Ofir Marciano with another set-piece from distance, while substitute Danny Whitehall headed narrowly over the bar in the closing stages.
Dyer said: “There were a lot of positives to take from the match despite the result.
“I thought we showed a lot of spirit after going behind and I thought we controlled the game for long spells.
“The goal was also something special and I am encouraged by the whole performance.
“We just need to stop making life hard for ourselves by conceding sloppy goals.”
This is obviously a tough test, though, and 10/1 for a 3-1 away win appeals from the Kilmarnock vs Celtic odds.
That was the score each time these teams met last term!
A Look At Celtic’s Betting Odds
Celtic made an early statement of intent when starting out their quest for a 10th straight title by thrashing Hamilton 5-1.
Odsonne Edouard showed his class again with a hat-trick, while Jeremie Frimpong and Patryk Klimala also hit the target.
Neil Lennon’s only concern was that Edouard advertised his talents while the transfer window is open.
“You can’t help the attention – it is inevitable,” said Lennon. “But we will try to stave off any admirers, even though I am sure there are plenty out there.
“We love having him here and he enjoys being here. He has the potential to be anything he wants to be.”
Reflecting on the overall display, the manager added: “It is a brilliant start.
“To score five goals after a lengthy lay-off speaks volumes for the players’ mentality and their quality and will to win. I am thrilled with that.”
The Hoops seem set to play with even more confidence and self-belief this season, so goals are expected to flow in their matches.
Let’s finish off our Kilmarnock vs Celtic betting tips by taking 7/4 for an away win and over 3.5 goals in the game.
Additional stats
Last result:
Hibs 2-1 KILMARNOCK – Chris Burke
CELTIC 5-1 Hamilton – Odsonne Edouard (3), Jeremie Frimpong, Patryk Klimala
Head-to-head: Celtic 3-1 Kilmarnock, Kilmarnock 1-3 Celtic, Celtic 3-1 Kilmarnock, Celtic 1-0 Kilmarnock, Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Join bwin today and receive up to £10 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
