The opener may have provided a spark to the visitors as Aberdeen finally have a chance on goal.

Slobodan Rubezic and Duk work the ball into the feet of full-back Nicky Devlin, who battles through a number of Killie bodies in a congested penalty area before firing into the side netting.

Callum McGregor takes the shot with his right foot on the edge of the Motherwell box.

It's deflected into the path of Daizen Maeda, but Aston Oxborough reacts well to dive to his right and palm the shot away.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

That opening goal is no more than Killie deserve.

The home side have been making all the running so far, while Aberdeen have produced nothing in this opening 20 minutes or so.

Image source, SNS

Chance for St Johnstone.

A free-kick is swung in and Jack Sanders rises high to nod it to the back post, but Benjamin Kimpioka can't steer the ball on target with his head.

There's a VAR check ongoing at Celtic Park as Kofi Balmer stretches his arm into the air as Paolo Bernardo's ball comes into the box.

Does it hit his hand? If it does, it's a nailed on penalty. But replays show the ball didn't make contact.

Image source, SNS

A first half-chance for Ross County as Ronan Hale's shot deflects a yard or two wide.

Both sides are getting the ball down well, trying to play football, but there's no cutting edge at the moment.

Questions must be asked of the Dons defence as Joe Wright has plenty of space to take down a corner and tee up a shot inside the visitors' box.

The Kilmarnock forward's weak, bouncing effort is cleared off the line by Duk.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Dens Park

Not a whole lot to report at Dens Park so far, but Dundee now appear to have a bit of a grip on things.

They are starting to probe away at this County defence, without creating anything of note.

David Watson has a promising effort deflected wide after Fraser Murray picked out the young midfielder with a low cross.

Two Kilmarnock corners follow, but nothing comes of the opportunities.

Tawanda Maswanhise goes in the book as he takes a tumble on the edge of the Celtic box under pressure from Hyunjun Yang.

The Celtic winger maybe got away with one there...

Image source, SNS

Ouch!published at 15:13 Greenwich Mean Time 26 December 2024

15:13 GMT 26 December 2024

St Johnstone 0-0 Dundee Utd

Ooft, Dundee United winger Glen Middleton could be in trouble here.

He slides in at a bit of speed on Jack Sanders and his studs go down on top of the Saints defender's foot.

Hmm. Play has restarted though after a brief check.

Kilmarnock come close again, with Dimitar Mitov looking a little less sure of himself this time around.

A corner delivery right on top of Mitov's head is won by towering forward Bobby Wales.

Thankfully for the travelling Dons, Wales' headed effort rises over.

A lovely bit of play from Celtic sees Anthony Ralston closed down by Shane Blaney for a Motherwell goal kick.

Some shouts from the players in green and white for a handball but play continues.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

Brendan Rodgers wanted a high-energy start from his side.

He's got it in the opening minutes, which have almost been entirely played in the Motherwell half as Celtic seek an early breakthrough.

Kilmarnock are pinning the visitors back early on at Rugby Park.

The returning Dimitar Mitov is tested for the first time in a few weeks as a whipped Daniel Armstrong cross looked to be curling in.

Safe hands from the Bulgarian keeper keeps the game goalless.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

There were large swathes of empty seats right up until 10 minutes before kick-off. They've largely been filled now though.

The home fans will want to see Celtic improve their sharpness in front of goal as they look to keep up the form which has seen them drop just four Premiership points so far this term.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell attempts to sneak in behind the Aberdeen backline to craft a gilt-edged chance for himself, but a crucial challenge from Dons centre-back Angus MacDonald puts an end to the threat.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

Last Motherwell player to score a winning goal at Celtic Park? Louis Moult back in December 2015, when Ronny Deila was in the home dugout opposite Mark McGhee.

Well haven't beaten Celtic in the nine years since, although manager Stuart Kettlewell is unbeaten here as the Fir Park boss, having recorded two 1-1 draws.

He'd take that again, right?