Brendan Rodgers was in his usual respectful and diplomatic mood when discussing his side’s chances of taking 3 points from Rugby Park today. Unlike some SPFL managers, Rodgers works with a humility and professionalism that even the dirtiest rags find it hard to put a spin on his words.
Speaking of his opposite number today Rodgers said:
“Stevie has done an excellent job. He has them set up deep, they defend really deep and deny you space, especially in the final third of the pitch,” Rodgers said.
“They play narrow so you have to be patient. He has got them very well organised, very tight and brought in some different players so it will be a tough game for us.”
If statistics mean anything, they all point to a Celtic win.
Killie are on a 16-game winless streak against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership (D3 L13), last beating the Hoops 2-0 at Celtic Park back in October 2012.
Celtic are unbeaten in their last 13 trips to Rugby Park in the Scottish Premiership (W11 D2); only against Dundee (19) are Celtic enjoying a longer away unbeaten run of current top-flight sides.
Celtic managed to do some deadline day business bringing in a keeper and defender. Both could find themselves with a debut sooner rather than later as Celtic’s treatment tables are rather busy at the moment. Celtic will be without Craig Gordon, Leigh Griffiths, Marvin Compper, Jonny Hayes, Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston, Stuart Armstrong and Patrick Roberts.
