Kilmarnock v Celtic: Bhoys to launch bid to catch Rangers

Scottish Football / Michael Lintorn / 13 October 2011 /

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Celtic's Gary Hooper has four SPL goals to his name already this season

"While Kilmarnock have been fairly prolific against the division’s early strugglers, they have netted just once in five games with top-half teams, and were shut out in each of their two home fixtures against clubs in the top four."

Celtic have much work to do if they are to finish this season as SPL champions, but should start their lengthy comeback with victory at Kilmarnock on Saturday...

Kilmarnock v Celtic, KO Saturday 12:30 BST, ESPN, Match odds: Kilmarnock [10.0], Celtic [1.39], The Draw [5.0]

Defeat to Hearts before the international break has left Celtic's title challenge in a dire state, the pre-season favourites now ten points shy of champions Rangers and even behind Motherwell, rendering another slip up this week unthinkable.

They visit Kilmarnock bidding to bounce back from three away losses in the space of a month, including two in a row in the SPL, and though this column opposed them at Tynecastle, our weight is once again behind the Bhoys this week.

Neil Lennon's side travelled to Rugby Park three times in 2010-11 and returned to Glasgow with three points on every occasion, explaining why, despite their recent traumas, they enter Saturday lunchtime's clash as overwhelming [1.39] favourites.

Sp what are the value bets for this encounter? The Celtic clean sheet is one appealing option at [2.08], as they have kept Killie quiet on three of their last four trips to East Ayrshire. They have also nullified the opposition's attacking threat in six of the seven matches that they have actually won this term.

It is also noticeable that while the hosts have been fairly prolific against the division's early strugglers, they have netted just once in five games with top-half teams, and were shut out in each of their two home fixtures against clubs in the top four.

Overs or unders? Celtic haven't scored more than two on an away day to date in this campaign, and have only gone beyond that figure twice in 14 outings in total, ignoring the two Europa League ties with Sion awarded 3-0 in their favour. [2.2] on under 2.5 goals therefore looks a meaty price.

Best Bet: Celtic to keep a clean sheet @ [2.08]
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [2.2]

This column has a 12 in 16 strike rate so far this season for a profit of £89.96 to £10 stakes

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