Celtic face card-happy, ill-disciplined Kilmarnock on Sunday; Dyer calls for "right decisions"

By Euan Davidson

December 11, 2020

Ahead of their visit to Celtic Park, Killie boss Alex Dyer has called for his team to “make the right decisions”.

Celtic face Kilmarnock on Sunday, a team who have been rocked by both Covid protocol (BBC) and a slew of red cards in recent weeks.

Clévid Dikamona was dismissed in a 1-0 loss to Hamilton Accies last week (BBC), while ex-Celt Stuart Findlay saw red in a 3-1 win over Ross County (SPFL). Both of those were in the first half of either match. Against the Bhoys, a similar showing of indiscipline could be costly.

It’s a worrying trend for Alex Dyer’s side, who are looking to improve their discipline against Celtic.

Alex Dyer: a friendly man / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Do the right things”

As quoted by our colleagues at Not The Old Firm, Dyer said: “We have to do the right things, we have to make sure we make the right decisions at certain times in games.

“A couple of the sending-offs have been harsh. The one on Saturday was not as he’s shown his studs. You are bound to get sent off for that.

“But saying that, we should have got a penalty and we didn’t. It’s a harsh lesson.”

In total, Kilmarnock have seen 21 yellow cards and 4 reds so far this season (WhoScored?).

They’ve lost 3 of their last 4 matches, and have failed to score in 5 out of their last 7. Although Celtic’s recent form has been patchy, a win against Lille and a formidable home record would suggest a win is on the cards for the Bhoys.

Referee Don Robertson is the Scottish FA appointed official for this weekend’s match.

David Turnbull celebrates scoring for Celtic / (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Celtic will be looking to utilise depth again

Neil Lennon fully realised the quality throughout the Celtic squad last night. If Lenny wants to continue to bring fans onside, he’ll look to utilise players like Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull again on Sunday.

Turnbull gets into intelligent positions and can bother Kilmarnock with his pace. Given the wild tackling of Alex Dyer’s charges in recent matches, the ex-Motherwell man’s movement might be a good avenue for Celtic on Sunday.

Equally, utilising the pace of Elyounoussi and potentially Christie on Sunday could tempt the Killie defence into making rash decisions.

Alex Dyer will be hoping that his players can keep their heads at Celtic Park.