Celtic can’t afford any further mishaps in title chase

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The Celtic Star

·8 November 2025

Celtic can’t afford any further mishaps in title chase

Three points tomorrow, and no excuses, we have left ourselves with no room for any further mishaps if we are going to win the league this season…

Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic applauds the fans with team-mates after the match Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025Herning MCH Arena Denmark Photo Michael Zemanek IMAGO/Shutterstock

Tomorrow late afternoon kick-off sees Celtic take on Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership in our final match before club football is once again interrupted by an International break. I don’t need to tell you how vital it is that we collect all three points against the Ayrshire side who will come to Celtic Park to frustrate with their low block and look to take advantage of any set pieces that the get.

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Currently Celtic are a rather concerning nine points adrift of current leaders Hearts, albeit we do have the advantage of a game in hand – that’s against Dundee United at Celtic Park – so a win tomorrow is a must in our quest to defend our title.

Auston Trusty of Celtic applauds the fans after the match Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025Herning MCH Arena Denmark Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock/IMAGO

With Hearts playing at home and theRangers also in action, and a win likely for both teams, it’s important we don’t give either side further encouragement going forward in regard to our recent vulnerabilities.

In our last six match’s we’ve lost three, and more worryingly we done so in such a pitiful manner. So I can’t stress how important it is that we show the ability and desire that seen us beat Sturm Graz, Falkirk and theRangers, and not the lacklustre effort we witnessed on Thursday night in Denmark or in the defeats against Dundee and Hearts at Dens Park and Hearts respectively.

Celtic players during pre match pitch inspection Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025Herning MCH Arena Denmark Photo Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock/ IMAGO

We may have our injury problems to seek with the likes of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho, and now Callum Osmand set for a spell on the sidelines with doubts also lingering over the fitness of Arne Engels, but we can’t use that as an excuse if we fail to triumph tomorrow.

We still have more than enough to take care of Kilmarnock. We must win, no excuses.

As fast far as the team that Martin O’Neill will pick, in what could be his last game in charge, I reckon he’s select the following starting XI from the available players.

Celtic players during pre match pitch inspection Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025Herning MCH Arena Denmark Photo Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock/ IMAGO

Predicted Celtic team to face Kilmarnock – Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi; McGregor (c), Hatate, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny and Tounekti.

Engels might make the bench and I can see Shin Yamada getting a half hour and a chance to show to Martin O’Neill, Shaun Maloney and perhaps the new manager in waiting that he’s well worthy or playing for Celtic.

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