Killie vs Celtic: Starting teams named as Hoops look to clinch title

Celtic can be confirmed as champions if they avoid defeat at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock vs Celtic: Starting teams named as Hoops look to clinch Premiership title SNS Group

Derek McInnes and Brendan Rodgers have named their starting lineups for the Kilmarnock vs Celtic Premiership clash at Rugby Park.

The sides meet in Ayrshire on Wednesday with the Hoops looking to wrap up the league title ahead of the final day of the season.

Celtic can be confirmed as champions for the third season in a row if they avoid defeat with Kilmarnock already secured in fourth place.

A win or draw would be enough to get the league leaders over the line, but defeat would leave them needing a point against St Mirren at the weekend to avoid a potential unthinkable collapse.

They put themselves in a commanding position following the 2-1 win over second-placed Rangers on Saturday thanks to goals from Matt O’Riley and a John Lundstram own-goal.

But the home side will be doing all they can to avoid the visiting support having a party at their stadium as they look to beat the champions for a third time this season.

Killie have already beat Celtic twice at Rugby Park and scored a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw in February so will be looking to keep up that impressive record.

But Brendan Rodgers insisted his side are aiming to “sprint over the line” and will be looking to pick up all three points.

McInnes has started with Kieran O’hara in goals behind Lewis Mayo, Robbie Deas, Stuart Findlay, Corrie Nbada, Matty Kennedy, Danny Armstrong, Liam Donnelly, David Watson, Marley Watkins and captain Kyle Vassell.

The title chasers have made one change from their win over Rangers with Adam Idah replacing Kyogo Furihashi up top.

They start with Joe Hart in goals and a four man defence of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor.

Captain Callum McGregor anchors a three-man midfield beside O’Riley and Reo Hatate who will be looking to support a forward trio of Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and Idah.

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