Celtic Predicted XI vs Kilmarnock: O’Neill Set to Unleash Duran and Osmand After Beşiktaş Heroics

Celtic will look to strengthen their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership when they welcome Kilmarnock to Parkhead on Sunday.

Martin O’Neill’s side head into the match on the back of an impressive 3-2 Europa League comeback victory over Beşiktaş on Thursday night.

The Hoops looked in trouble during the first half but produced a much-improved performance after the break to secure all three points. Substitute Camilo Duran scored twice, while Callum Osmand also made a decisive contribution.

Their performances have given O’Neill fresh selection decisions ahead of the weekend, with both players pushing to earn starting places.

Celtic have dropped points in their previous two league fixtures, making Sunday’s encounter an important opportunity to restore their domestic momentum.

Match preview: Celtic looking to build on European comeback

O’Neill will want his players to carry the confidence from Thursday’s result into their meeting with Kilmarnock.

The victory over Beşiktaş provided a welcome response after a difficult spell, although Celtic know they cannot afford another domestic setback if they want to maintain their advantage at the summit.

The champions currently sit one point clear at the top of the table, with Rangers capable of moving ahead if they drop points.

Kilmarnock arrive in Glasgow under pressure after a disappointing start to their league campaign. Neil McCann’s side have collected just nine points from 12 matches, winning twice, drawing three times and suffering seven defeats.

Their latest Premiership outing ended in a 2-2 draw against St Johnstone, but they face a considerably tougher assignment against a Celtic side they have struggled to contain.

Killie have failed to beat the Hoops in their last 10 meetings, while Celtic have won their previous four encounters.

Duran and Osmand pushing for Celtic starts

The biggest selection talking point surrounds the attacking positions, with Duran and Osmand both making strong cases for inclusion.

Duran’s two goals against Beşiktaş demonstrated the impact he can have from the bench, while Osmand also impressed during Celtic’s second-half recovery.

O’Neill could reward the pair by handing them starting opportunities as he looks to keep his side’s attacking momentum going.

Celtic have won three of their last six matches in all competitions, drawing one and losing two. Their previous league meeting with Kilmarnock ended in a convincing 5-1 victory at Rugby Park in August.

The visitors have also struggled defensively, conceding 28 goals in their opening 12 league matches. That record could provide Celtic’s attacking players with opportunities to exploit.

Team news and predicted Celtic XI

Celtic emerged from the Beşiktaş victory without any fresh injury concerns, although Alistair Johnston and Yang Hyun-jun remain unavailable.

Kilmarnock could stick with the side that drew against St Johnstone, with Joe Hugill expected to lead the attack. The forward has registered four goal contributions this season.

However, Bailey Rice and Maksymillian Stryjek are unavailable for the visitors.

Predicted Celtic starting XI (4-3-3):

Johnstone; Lotomba, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Baur; Duran, Høgh, Osmand.

O’Neill has an opportunity to reward two players who helped turn Thursday’s European contest around. With Celtic looking to protect their position at the top of the Premiership, the inclusion of Duran and Osmand could give the Hoops another attacking dimension against a struggling Kilmarnock side.