Celtic head into their Scottish Premiership encounter with Ross County on Wednesday night hoping that a win will be the start of a much-needed run of form if they are to close the 16-point gap to rivals Rangers at the top of the table.

Ross County, meanwhile, face the dawn of a new era following the sacking of Stuart Kettlewell last weekend and the appointment of a new head coach.

Match preview

Celtic were able to clinch their 40th Scottish Cup trophy last weekend, although they had to work hard for it against their Scottish Championship opponents.

The Hoops took an early two-goal lead through Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard, however second-half strikes from Hearts pair Liam Boyce and Stephen Kingsley levelled the scores and took the match to extra time.

Leigh Griffiths put Celtic ahead before substitute Josh Ginnelly's equaliser made it 3-3, which saw the match go to penalties. Hoops goalkeeper Conor Hazard proved the hero, saving two spot kicks to help win the cup for Neil Lennon's side.

After a run of only two wins from 12 matches in all competitions, Celtic have since won their last three games and Lennon will be hoping that the pressure has eased.

Celtic have won their last seven league meetings with Ross County, scoring 26 goals and conceding just one since a 2-2 draw in April 2017.

A much-needed victory in the league on Wednesday night could move them within 13 points of leaders Rangers if they were to lose at St Johnstone, with the Hoops having three games in hand.

Ross County's 2-0 home loss against Hamilton prompted the immediate sacking of manager Stuart Kettlewell, with the club bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Kettlewell, who had been in charge since March 2018, admitted the decision was a "sore one" for him but said he was "grateful for the opportunity".

The Staggies have since announced the appointment of new head coach John Hughes, who is a hugely-experienced figure within Scottish football having previously managed Hibernian, Livingston, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Falkirk, and Raith Rovers.

The 56-year-old's first game in charge will be the trip to Celtic Park on Wednesday night - a ground where they recorded a famous victory in the Scottish League Cup at the end of November.

Ross County however have not tasted victory in the league since September. They have picked up just two points from their last 10 matches, losing six of their last seven games.

Hughes has a huge task on his hands as he aims to turn their fortunes around and keep the club in the top flight.

Another surprise victory at Celtic would see Ross County remain at the foot of the table, but they could move within one point of Hamilton if they were to lose to Livingston.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form: LDWDDW
Celtic form (all competitions): LLDWWW

Ross County Scottish Premiership form: LDLLLL
Ross County form (all competitions): LWLLLL

Team News

Winger James Forrest is currently Celtic's only injury concern, as he is still recovering from an ankle problem.

Right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who started the League Cup final on the bench, is likely to be recalled to the first XI, while Diego Laxalt is set to replace Greg Taylor at left-back.

Regan Charles-Cook is the latest addition to the Ross County casualty list as he is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Connor Randall (back), Charlie Lakin (thigh), Tom Grivosti (hamstring) are also sidelined with injuries.

Strikers Billy Mckay and Oli Shaw are likely to remain in the starting lineup in attack.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hazard; Frimpong, Ajer, Jullien, Laxalt; Brown, McGregor; Christie, Rogic, Elyounoussi; Edouard

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Watson, Donaldson, Iacovitti; Stewart, Paton, Vigurs, Tillson, Reid; Mckay, Shaw

We say: Celtic 3-0 Ross County

Both sides are eager to win this Scottish Premiership encounter for different reasons. The Staggies are looking to move off the bottom of the table, while Celtic are desperate to close the colossal gap between themselves and rivals Rangers. The Hoops may have lost to Ross County last time out in the Scottish League Cup but should be strong enough to secure three points on Wednesday night.

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