Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may have made an instant impact at Celtic, but that shouldn’t guarantee a start against Kilmarnock.
Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a stoppage time winner against Livingston on Wednesday night after coming off the bench.
Martin O’Neill received plenty of praise from the former Arsenal man for the welcome he has had since joining and there may be temptation to include him from the off on Sunday following Arne Engels’ injury.
However, this shouldn’t happen.
- READ MORE: Callum McGregor reacts to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s winner and message inside Celtic dressing room
All three of these Celtic players scored on their debuts
Who scored the best goal?
Why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shouldn’t start for Celtic vs Kilmarnock
The 32-year-old scored the winner but before that, everyone can admit he was a bit rusty.
It isn’t a bad thing by the way. If anything, it was to be expected. The Livingston game was his first appearance in almost a year so match fitness will need to be built up.
With Kilmarnock playing on a plastic pitch, the risk of injury is higher and at this stage, it is all about getting some more minutes in the tank.
Even Oxlade-Chamberlain would probably admit that he isn’t ready to play the full 90 and another cameo off the bench should suit all parties.
Celtic midfielders that could replace Arne Engels against Kilmarnock
With Engels almost certainly out of the game due to injury, O’Neill has a few options to select from.
Reo Hatate gave away the penalty in the midweek win but is probably the favourite to get the nod.
A real blow to lose Arne Engels as he goes off injured against Livingston
Which Celtic player replaces him in the starting XI for the next game?
Luke McCowan is also a viable option while Paulo Bernardo could be handed another rare start.
A change of formation could also be an option if they feel like it would work, but that seems borderline impossible.
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