Celtic vs Kilmarnock Prediction and Betting Tips: Back Matt O'Riley to get on the scoresheet

After beating Rangers to the title in the final weeks of last season, Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown when Brendan Rodgers’ side host Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.

Kilmarnock showed signs of progress in the Premiership to finish fourth last season and the East Ayrshire outfit will be hoping they can catch reigning champions Celtic napping in this opening game of the brand-new campaign.

The Hoops are just one title from equalling rivals Rangers’ 55 Scottish League crowns, placing even more of a spotlight on the two giants of the game north of the border going into this season.

Rodgers’ side have looked strong in pre-season, winning all of their games against D.C United, Premier League champions Manchester City and Chelsea on their recent tour of the United States.

There have been some slightly less glamorous games for Kilmarnock, who beat Auchinleck Talbot and Barrow, before drawing their Europa League qualifying match 1-1 against Cercle Brugge.

It’s a quick turnaround for Killie, who play their second leg against Cercle Brugge in Belgium on Thursday night, before making the short trip to Glasgow on Sunday afternoon for a 16:30 kick-off.

It’s fair to say Kilmarnock gave Celtic a few headaches across their five meetings in all competitions last season.

Killie managed to beat the Hoops once in the Scottish League Cup and once in the Premiership but both those wins came at Rugby Park.

While Kilmarnock also earned a draw at Parkhead back in February, they were thrashed 5-0 in their last encounter with the Bhoys at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock have shown they can get at this Celtic side and it would be little surprise to see Derek McInnes’ men get on the scoresheet again this weekend.

However, on home turf, it’s hard to look past in-form Celtic hitting the ground running in their title defence with three points.

A player who enjoyed a tremendous campaign last season, Matt O’Riley is certainly someone to look out for in the anytime goalscorer market on Sunday.

The 23-year-old midfielder scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and it’s little wonder the English-born Denmark international has been attracting interest from other clubs this summer.

Celtic are hoping they can keep hold of such an important midfield presence, who has the all-round game to make him an attractive prospect for potential suitors.

O’Riley appeared to enjoy playing against Kilmarnock last season, as he scored twice in that 5-0 win the last time these teams met.

The former Fulham midfielder has now scored five goals against Kilmarnock and the Celtic star looks to be good value to add to his tally against the East Ayrshire outfit this weekend.