Kilmarnock v Celtic: Fixtures could mean worst start in 20 years for Killie

It would be nice for Kilmarnock fans if they could write-off the back-to-back losses that have started this season as early campaign jitters but with those defeats making it 10 losses in their last 11 competitive outings the stats don’t lie.

Killie last lost the opening three games of a season way back in 1995 but with the fixture list sending Champions Celtic to Rugby Park next tonight that record is likely to at least be matched in 2015-16.

While the 4-0 opening day loss to Dundee was a write-off, the 2-0 reverse away at Aberdeen at least showed some promising passages of play.

However, any green shoots of recovery are likely to nipped by the imperious Bhoys, whose two wins this season mean Ronny Deila’s men have now kept seven Premiership clean sheets in a row, dating back to April 22 this year.

And while Deila may already have one eye on next week’s Champions League tie even the most hopeful of Killie fans must be expecting defeat.

The hosts have won just once in 17 Premiership meetings with the Parkhead side and the last eight games have seen the Hoops win by at least two goals.

And with the visitors priced at 1/5 to claim all three points, those looking to cash in on a win for the league leaders could find better value in the handicap markets where Celtic -1 can be backed at 8/15 and Celtic -2 is available at 5/4.

As for where the goals are going to come from punters should look no further than Kris Commons and Leigh Griffiths.

The former has smashed five goals in his last six games against Killie and is off the mark already this season, while Griffiths bagged a hat-trick last time the sides met and has also opened his account for the season.

The former Wolves man can be backed at 3/4 to open the scoring and ¾ to net anytime, while Commons is 7/2 and 10/11 in the same markets respectively.

As ever in football though, no side gets everything their own way for 90 minutes and Celtic have already shown signs of complacency after the first 30 minutes of their games this season.

With that in mind the 10/1 on returning Killie man Kris Boyd netting the final goal of the game and giving Kilmarnock fans hope for the season ahead could also be worth consideration.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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