Rugby Park will be the stage for an exciting Scottish Premiership round 2 encounter as Kilmarnock welcome Celtic, with the hosts aiming to pull off a major upset. As Kilmarnock struggled defensive in their season opener, we predict a 2-1 away win. Kilmarnock began the season with a thrilling 4-3 defeat against St Johnstone, but their overall form remains impressive. The Killie have won seven of their last 10 competitive matches, scoring 2.20 goals per game and keeping clean sheets in 60% of those fixtures. Tyreece John-Jules picked up an injury in the opener, meaning Jamie Brandon could be called upon, but Kilmarnock have shown enough attacking quality to trouble stronger opponents.
Celtic, meanwhile, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee FC in their opening match, starting their title defence with three points. The Hoops have been consistent in recent months, winning six of their last 10 games and scoring 2.00 goals per match. However, there are some squad concerns, with Alistair Johnston close to leaving the club and Yang Hyun-Jun doubtful after suffering a knock against Dundee. Celtic's attacking efficiency remains a major weapon, as they have scored in each of their last 10 matches.
History heavily favours the visitors, with Celtic winning 35 of the previous 46 meetings, including many dominant displays. Given the huge gap in quality between the two sides, Away Win seems like a sure bet, alongside Celtic Over 1.5 and Over 2.5 goals total (16 of the last 27 meetings produced at least three goals, while both teams are attack-minded).
This Scottish Premiership match will be played on Sunday 9 August 2026 at 13:30.
What is our Kilmarnock vs Celtic prediction?
Our prediction for this match: Kilmarnock 1 - 2 Celtic
Kilmarnock vs Celtic Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 1-2 @ 800 Odds
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes @ -150 Odds
- Over / Under 4.5 Goals: Under 4.5 Goals @ -334 Odds
- Over / Under 3.5 Goals: Under 3.5 Goals @ -138 Odds
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals @ -225 Odds
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals @ -800 Odds
- Anytime Goalscorer: Camilo Duran @ -125 Odds
- First Goalscorer: Camilo Duran @ 350 Odds
- To be Booked: Callum McGregor @ 240 Odds
- Asian Handicap: Kilmarnock +2 @ -211 Odds
- European Handicap: Kilmarnock +2 @ -3300 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 2.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Over 4.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 7.5
- Total Corners: 9 - 11 @ 162 Odds
- Double Chance: 12 @ -600 Odds
- Draw No Bet: Celtic to Win @ -800 Odds
- Half Time/Full Time: Celtic to Win/Celtic to Win @ -111 Odds
- Clean Sheet: Celtic - No @ -188 Odds
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View OfferKilmarnock Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wwwwwdwwdl | 2.30 |
| Home | wdw | 2.33 |
| Away | wwwwwdl | 2.29 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 70% | 67% | 71% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.00 | 1.67 | 3.57 |
| Scored | 2.20 | 1.33 | 2.57 |
| Conceded | 0.80 | 0.33 | 1.00 |
| BTTS | 40% | 33% | 43% |
| Clean Sheets | 60% | 67% | 57% |
| Failed to Score | 20% | 33% | 14% |
| Expected Goals | 1.41 | 1.70 | 1.26 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.37 | 1.17 | 1.47 |
Celtic Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wwwwwdlddw | 2.10 |
| Home | wwwddw | 2.33 |
| Away | wwdl | 1.75 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 60% | 67% | 50% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.40 | 3.17 | 3.75 |
| Scored | 2.00 | 2.17 | 1.75 |
| Conceded | 1.40 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| BTTS | 90% | 83% | 100% |
| Clean Sheets | 10% | 17% | 0% |
| Failed to Score | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Expected Goals | 1.46 | 1.40 | 1.55 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.25 | 1.25 | 1.24 |
Kilmarnock vs Celtic Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Kilmarnock (11%)
46 Matches
Celtic (76%)
