The optimism surrounding Martin O'Neill's Celtic return has disappeared after a dismal defeat in Denmark and the veteran manager will be looking for a response back on domestic duty against Kilmarnock.
The Hoops headed into Thursday's Europa League clash with Midtjylland in high spirits after O'Neill led them to wins over Falkirk and Rangers as interim boss.
I though the clash with the Danes would be tight but instead Celtic found themselves 3-0 down at half-time thanks to some abysmal defending.
They salvaged a bit of pride by pulling a goal back in the second half but Midtjylland could have mauled them and O'Neill now has to rouse his team for the visit of Kilmarnock.
Hearts opened up a nine-point lead in the SPFL Premiership last weekend when the Hoops were in League Cup semi-final action.
So Celtic can ill afford any dropped points in this one, even though they have a game in hand on the Jambos.
They're lucky to be hosting a Kilmarnock side at a low ebb, with Stuart Kettlewell's men losing their last four Premiership games.
Injuries in defence are hitting hard and Killie have a goalkeeping crisis so it would be a big surprise if they took anything from their trip to Celtic Park.
How the bookies view it: Hoops to roar back
Despite that Danish disappointment, Celtic are heavy favourites for this one at just 2/11 with BOYLE Sports. Kilmarnock are 16/1 outsiders and the draw is also big at 6/1.
Recent head to head: Six in a woe for Killie
Celtic won 2-1 at Rugby Park in the first meeting of these teams this season but needed a controversial stoppage-time penalty to get over the line. That made it six wins in a row for the Hoops against Killie since a 1-1 draw at Parkhead in February 2024.
Players to watch: Kenny seizing his chance
Johnny Kenny has scored three times in O'Neill's first three games in charge and should lead the line again with Callum Osmand and Kelechi Iheanacho injured. The Irish striker is 20/21 at BOYLE Sports for anytime scorer.
Killie scored from a set-piece against Celtic earlier in the season and that looks their best chance of a goal at Parkhead. Striker Marcus Dackers is a threat in the air and he's 14/1 at Bet365 to score a header.
Probable line-ups
Killie have issues in goal, with first choice Max Stryjek sidelined and loanee Tobi Oluwayemi unable to face parent club Celtic. They have been linked with loan moves for Hearts duo Craig Gordon and Zander Clark but Eddie Beach should start if nobody is brought in.
In addition to striking duo Osmand and Iheanacho, Celtic remain without key defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistiar Johnston.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Tounekti, Maeda, Kenny.
Kilmarnock: Beach, Thompson, Deas, Stanger, Brown, Lyons, Watson, Polworth, Kiltie, Dackers, Anderson.
Anything else catch the eye?
In addition to their goalkeeping issues, Killie look set to be without Robbie Deas and Jamie Brandon again in defence too. So it could be a long afternoon for them if Celtic score early.
Kettlewell may set up to frustrate so the corner count could rise and I like over 8.5 Celtic flag kicks at 20/21 with BOYLE Sports. Over 5.5 first-half corners also appeals at 21/20.
Celtic should have most of the ball and are unlikely to commit a lot of fouls. They only picked up one yellow in their last home game against Falkirk and that came because Benjamin Nygren got involved in an off-the-ball incident. So I'm going to bet against both teams picking up a card here at evens with Bet365.
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