Rugby Park surfaces again

If you are feeling a bit anxious today but you’re not sure why, suppressed memories of Rugby Park could be filtering through your subconscious.  After 13 undefeated visits to Kilmarnock in the 8 years to 2018, Celtic have lost two of our three subsequent visits.  The only win came courtesy of a memorable last minute Scott Brown strike.

Much has changed in the 11 months since that win, including both team’s managers, but the plastic surface that Brendan Rodgers’ side found to challenging remains, a consideration for Neil Lennon tonight.

New Kilmarnock manager, Alex Dyer, watched his team beat Queens Park 6-0 in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, but his side’s league form is dreadful.  They played six league games in December without scoring a goal and earning only a single point.  If you thought Celtic needed the winter break, speak to a Kilmarnock fan.

Results, of course, do not tell the whole story.  Killie are not losing goals, in that December run only Livingston scored more than one against them.  At Ibrox, they held on until late in the game and gave the home team a fright.  They have kept 10 clean sheets in 13 home games since losing to Newco on the opening day of the season.  Tonight will be a real challenge.