Celtic team to face Kilmarnock

After the high of dealing with Aberdeen’d title challenge Celtic will attempt to match a 100 year old record when they host Kilmarnock on Saturday.

While the Ayrshire side will get full respect there’s no doubt that Brendan Rodgers will have an eye on the visit from Bayern Munich which falls just three days later.

It was a bold move to bench Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair at Pittodrie but Rodgers has never shied away from those calls and has complete conviction in his squad.

Moussa Dembele’s return to fitness and goals has been timely and provides real options in attack.

At different times Leigh Griffiths has looked the better striking option but right now it seems that the former Fulham man is the more potent threat.

Getting the balance in the side right is all important with some players needing a breather and others needing game time ahead of facing Bayern.

The win at Aberdeen creates a little breathing space at the top of the table, wins over Kilmarnock and St Johnstone can send the hoops into the next international break as record breakers and well down the road to seven-in-a-row.

CRAIG GORDON

Will need to cut down on the risky passes out of defence, there were a number at Aberdeen which put his team-mates in trouble.

There is a fine line between the passing game and recklessness, after losing a cheap goal at home to St Johnstone it seems that lessons haven’t been learned.

It looks like it will be Bitton and Boyata at the back against Bayern, Kilmarnock at home gives the keeper the chance to build up a relationship.

CRISTIAN GAMBOA

Has been left out since the Bayern Munich match but can be called on for this fixture to give Mikael Lustig a break.

Domestically he knows his stuff but with international commitments and Tony Ralston emerging his opportunities will be limited.

Kilmarnock won’t pose much of an attacking threat allowing the Costa Rican to bomb up and down the wing.

NIR BITTON

Is looking increasingly like playing against Bayern Munich so needs every minute possible in central defence.

Kris Boyd isn’t likely to carry much of a threat so it will mainly be an exercise in building up his relationship with Boyata.

His play out of defence can’t be faulted but he still has a lot to learn about the bread and butter aspects of defending.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Is slowly taking on more responsibility and has been back in the side for more than a month.

He will need to work harder than ever due to Bitton’s inexperience in defence but that shouldn’t be an issue for someone with aspirations of playing in the World Cup Finals next summer.

Since returning to the side he has yet to score and will be looking to bring that back into his game.

KIERAN TIERNEY

What more can you possibly add- zooming in on 100 appearances, captained the side at the age of 20, scoring goals and putting in eye watering assists for Moussa Dembele.

His run and delivery for the second goal at Aberdeen should be shown as the blueprint to all aspiring full backs.

He plays for the jersey but offers much much more than that, a top class talent that emerges once in a generation.

SCOTT BROWN

The skipper has been in outstanding form in the last two matches, from a very early 50-50 with Graham Shinnie there was only going to be one winner in the midfield scrap.

Experience seems to be adding to his game, there is no scenario that he hasn’t already been through.

He’s revelling in the responsibility given to him by Brendan Rodgers and is assured of putting in 8 out of 10 performances game in game out.

STUART ARMSTRONG

Hasn’t been at full pelt over the last couple of games but for this sort of fixture is a better option than Olivier Ntcham.

The prospect of starting the home match against Bayern must be a huge incentive but he’ll know that he hasn’t hit last season’s heights.

A goal or two would be welcome but he’ll need more than that to prove his case for starting against Bayern.

JAMES FORREST

Impressed against Aberdeen and deserves to retain his place ahead of Patrick Roberts.

His pace can push the Killie defence back and also offer a real goal threat when he cuts in off the wing.

Roberts is likely to get the vote against Bayern but a strong performance from Forrest may give his manager food for thought.

TOM ROGIC

Is the most attack minded of the number 10 options available and looked impressive against Aberdeen.

International commitments take more out of him than his team-mates, with another international break just over a week away he’ll want to make an impact on the domestic front.

With Killie likely to line up with a packed defence his willingness to shoot from long range will be an important weapon.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

The rest at Aberdeen won’t have did him any harm, Kilmarnock at home should see him get back in the groove.

A few runs down the left will give him the chance to find his form again while the return of Moussa Dembele should bring out the best in the former Aston Villa man.

He knows that the spotlight will be on him against Bayern but after scoring away to Anderlecht he’ll be keen to repeat that achievement.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

Has scored four goals in his last two hours of football.

He is moving through the gears and getting towards last seasons form with a variety of goals.

Both strikes at Aberdeen came from within the six yard box but just as impressive was his powerful run to create the opener for Kieran Tierney.