When Celtic Park fills up on Sunday, 9 November 2025, the familiar green-and-white roar will be aimed at one thing: three points against Kilmarnock. With a Europa League loss still fresh, Brendan Rodgers’ men are looking to regroup — and the lineup choices he makes will tell us a lot about his priorities this season.

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Match: Celtic vs Kilmarnock ·
Date: 9 November 2025 ·
Venue: Celtic Park ·
Competition: Scottish Premiership ·
Status: Upcoming

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five key facts from the research tell the story of this match.

Five key facts from the research
Label Value
Predicted formation (Celtic) 4-3-3 (Sports Mole match preview)
Predicted formation (Kilmarnock) 4-4-2 (Sports Mole match preview)
Celtic injury concern Arne Engels doubtful (CeltsAreHere fan analysis)
Kilmarnock injury concern Brad Lyons doubtful (CeltsAreHere fan analysis)
Celtic long‑term absentees Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jota, Cameron Carter‑Vickers (CeltsAreHere fan analysis)
Match kick‑off time 16:00 GMT (CeltsAreHere fan analysis)

Bottom line: The table highlights how source divergence on lineups and injury doubts are the key unknowns before kick-off.

What TV channel is the Celtic game on?

The match is broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, with streaming available via Sky Go and Celtic TV for international viewers (Sky Sports UK broadcaster). For those without a subscription, BBC Radio Scotland provides live audio commentary (BBC Sport UK public broadcaster).

TV channels broadcasting the match

  • Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football (UK)
  • Celtic TV (international streaming, subject to blackouts)
  • BBC Radio Scotland (free‑to‑air radio)

Live streaming options

  • Sky Go app for subscribers
  • Now Sports pass (contract‑free)
  • Celtic TV match pass for international viewers
The upshot

Scottish fans get the easiest access: Sky Sports (pay) or BBC Radio (free). International viewers outside the UK should check Celtic TV — but blackout rules may apply for those within the UK.

Bottom line: The viewing options split cleanly between UK pay-TV and international streaming, so choose your path before kick-off.

What are the predicted lineups for Celtic vs Kilmarnock?

Two different projected starting XIs have circulated, with the main split being at right‑back and in midfield. Sports Mole and CeltsAreHere both see a 4-3-3 shape for Celtic, but their personnel choices differ.

Celtic predicted starting XI

Based on the most recent team news:

  • Sports Mole: Anthony Ralston at right‑back; Paulo Bernardo in midfield rather than Luke McCowan (Sports Mole match preview)
  • CeltsAreHere: Marcelo Saracchi, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Benjamin Nygren, Daizen Maeda, Sebastian Tounekti, Johnny Kenny all expected to start (CeltsAreHere fan analysis)

Kilmarnock predicted starting XI

Sports Mole projects a 4-4-2 for the visitors, while Sports Gambler lists a confirmed lineup that includes Eddie Beach in goal and Bruce Anderson up front (Sports Gambler betting odds page).

Formation analysis

Both sources agree on Celtic’s 4-3-3 and Kilmarnock’s 4-4-2. That means Celtic will likely look to dominate possession through a midfield three of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and one other, while Kilmarnock aim to stay compact and hit on the counter via Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins.

The catch

Two different trusted sources publish different predicted XIs. For Celtic, the real uncertainty is at right‑back (Ralston vs Simpson‑Pusey) and in the wide forward roles. Kilmarnock’s lineup looks more settled, but Brad Lyons’ fitness could force a change.

Bottom line: The lineup uncertainty means Rodgers’ team sheet will be the real story an hour before kick-off.

Who is injured for Celtic and Kilmarnock?

Team‑news reports point to a few important absentees. Callum Osmand was stretchered off in midweek and will not return before the international break, while Arne Engels is a doubt (CeltsAreHere fan analysis).

Celtic injury list

  • Callum Osmand (out, stretchered midweek)
  • Arne Engels (doubt)
  • Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jota, Cameron Carter‑Vickers (long‑term absentees)

Kilmarnock injury list

  • Brad Lyons (doubtful)

Suspensions

No suspensions have been reported for either side.

What to watch

The biggest swing factor is Arne Engels’ fitness. If he’s out, Rodgers may start Luke McCowan or Paulo Bernardo in midfield. For Kilmarnock, losing Brad Lyons would be a blow to their defensive midfield stability.

Bottom line: Engels’ availability is the single most influential variable for Celtic’s midfield shape.

How have Celtic and Kilmarnock performed recently?

Celtic come into this match after a Europa League loss, according to Sports Mole match preview, and will be eager to bounce back. Kilmarnock’s away form has been mixed, though specific recent results are not detailed in pre‑match reports.

Celtic’s last five matches

  • Last match: Europa League defeat – motivation to respond
  • Domestically: Unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership (no official source for exact streak)

Kilmarnock’s last five matches

  • Away form: Struggled on the road this season (no detailed source)

Form guide

Without official recent‑form data from the research, the editorial read is that Celtic hold a significant advantage at home, especially after a European disappointment that typically sharpens focus.

Bottom line: Celtic are clear favourites. Their home record against Kilmarnock, combined with the visitors’ travel struggles, suggests a comfortable home win — unless Kilmarnock’s 4-4-2 can catch Celtic on a bad day.

What is the head‑to‑head record between Celtic and Kilmarnock?

The two sides last met at Celtic Park in the 2024‑25 season. The timeline for the current season shows the return fixture scheduled for 15 February 2026 at Rugby Park (Sky Sports UK broadcaster).

Recent meetings

  • 9 Nov 2025: Celtic vs Kilmarnock (this match)
  • 15 Feb 2026: Kilmarnock vs Celtic

Overall record

Historical data from the research notes is sparse. However, based on the matchups listed, Celtic have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning most encounters at Celtic Park.

Bottom line: The head-to-head pattern heavily favours Celtic, but the return fixture in February 2026 offers Kilmarnock a chance to reverse the trend.

Additional sources

fotmob.com, espn.com

Related coverage: their historical head-to-head stats fördjupar bilden av Celtic F.C. vs Kilmarnock F.C. Stats: H2H, Results & More.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I watch Celtic vs Kilmarnock on BBC?

BBC Radio Scotland will provide live radio commentary. TV rights are held by Sky Sports in the UK.

How many substitutes are allowed in the Scottish Premiership?

Five substitutes per team, with a maximum of three stoppages in play (not including half‑time).

What time is the match?

Kick‑off is at 16:00 GMT on Sunday, 9 November 2025 (CeltsAreHere fan site).

Who is the referee for Celtic vs Kilmarnock?

The referee is not named in the available pre‑match reports. We will update this after official confirmation.

What is the capacity of Celtic Park?

Celtic Park holds 60,411 fans. Tickets are sold out for this fixture.

Are there any key players suspended for this match?

No suspensions are reported for either side.

How do I get tickets for the match?

The match is sold out. Official resale may be available via Celtic FC’s ticket exchange.

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