It could be that Celtic are visiting Rugby Park, at just at the wrong time.
The Ayrshire men have started their league campaign impressively – with a 1-0 home win against Rangers, and a creditable 0-0 draw at Tynecastle against Hearts.
The recruitment by Derek McInnes in the summer looks already to have greatly improved the Killie line up.
The central defensive three of Lewis Mayo, Robbie Deas & Stuart Findlay have been pitch-perfect, not conceding in those opening two games.
Albeit, the ultimate test is on the horizon, with the Hoops front three of Maeda, Kyogo and Abada due to rock up to East Ayrshire.
The trio looked in good nick in the North East at the weekend.
Elsewhere though, it's fair to say Brendan Rodgers's midfield, and particularly the defence have not looked at their best against Ross County or Aberdeen.
The Staggies & The Dons bagged 3 goals between them against The Hoops, but in truth there could've been a goal or two more.
The Bhoys visit Rugby Park, after both Cameron Carter Vickers & Reo Hatate came off injured at Pittodrie.
So, you'd think the Killie boss will be targeting the visitors defence, especially if CCV doesn't make it.
Kilmarnock have a great scoring record at Rugby Park under McInnes – having scored in 34/37 league and Cup games under the ex-Aberdeen gaffer.
So, the hosts can certainly breach the at-the-moment shaky looking Hoops defence.
Obviously key to Killie's success in this tie, is keeping Kyogo and co quiet.
Based on the stuffy, stubborn, impressive defensive work in the first two league games – it's possible the hosts could keep things tight again.
Killie can boast a couple of wins on the artificial surface against Celtic in the last 5 years, and Coral's 8/1 about the hosts, just seems a little on the big side to me, based on both sides opening performances in the league.
Gerry's Tip
- Kilmarnock to win 8/1 at Coral
