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Celtic Starting XI Vs Kilmarnock As Hoops Get Scottish Premiership Campaign Underway

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has announced his starting lineup for this afternoon’s clash against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park.

The Irishman is optimistic that the Hoops can maintain their impressive pre-season momentum, following victories over Manchester City and Chelsea in the United States.

Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel is set to make his comPetitive debut for Celtic.

Soccer Football – Denmark Press Conference – Helsingor, Denmark – March 22, 2023 Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel during the press conference Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. DENMARK OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN DENMARK.

The former Leicester City goalkeeper has already shown in pre-season that he could potentially be an upgrade on Joe Hart, particularly with his exceptional ability to play the ball with his feet, ranking among the best in the world.

Alistair Johnston starts at right back, having reached the semi-finals of the Copa America with Canada and played his last match for the national team in the third-place playoff against Uruguay just three weeks ago.

Cameron Carter-Vickers partners with Liam Scales at the heart of the defence, with Scales being Celtic’s breakout star of last season.

From being on the verge of a move to Aberdeen at the start of the season to delivering a man-of-the-match performance against Feyenoord at Celtic Park in December, the Irishman has firmly established himself as Carter-Vickers’ partner at centre back.

Despite an injury-laden season, Carter-Vickers managed to lead Celtic to a domestic double.

In the last six months of the season, he was particularly outstanding, consistently performing at a high level, a standard the American has maintained week in and week out since joining the club.

Greg Taylor continues to be first choice at left back, with the Scottish full-back maintaining consistency throughout his time at the club, despite not yet signing a new contract.

Celtic’s tried and tested midfield trio start, with Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate forming a formidable unit since January 2022.

Despite Hatate and O’Riley being linked with moves away from the club this summer, their performances in pre-season have remained unaffected.

Nicolas Kuhn starts, seizing a significant opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice right winger.

His performance against Manchester City in pre-season, in particular, highlighted his skills in passing, finishing, and dribbling.

Kyogo Furuhashi starts upfront, with the Japanese striker not always being the first choice towards the end of last season.

However, in pre-season, like many of his teaMMAtes, he has appeared to shift up a gear.

With a goal against Manchester City, Furuhashi looks to be back to his best after a respectable first campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The reliable James Forrest starts off the left wing in an interesting choice from Rodgers.

Notable names of the bench include Viljami Sinisalo, Paulo Bernardo, and Mikey Johnston

Kick-off for the match is 4:30pm and it is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

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