As kick-off approaches at Rugby Park, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells BBC Scotland that injured defender Stephen Welsh will be out for "three to four months", adding that he has "no qualms" about Gustaf Lagerbielke making his debut just days after signing.

"If I go back to my first spell here and all the records that followed, it all started with this competition," he says. "That's why it's so important for us.

"You want to give everything you can to win any competition and it's a special one for myself."

Image source, SNS

Rovers continue to control possession against their Premiership hosts, but still no sign of a breakthrough at either end.

Image source, BBC Sport

Cammy Bell, one of the Sportsound pundits at Rugby Park, has just had a surprise visitor!

Thistle are just beginning to creep into this game a little and Harry Milne is flinging crosses into the mixer, but there are no takers.

After waves of Hearts attack, the visitors will no doubt just be pleased to have a few touches on the ball.

Rovers considerably the better team after Hibs' bright start.

Lewis Vaughan has been moved out the centre to give Kanayo Megwa a hard time on the left of Hibs' defence and the 19-year-old has already been booked in his first start.

At the other end, Elie Youan is giving Liam Dick a difficult time, but the forward's deliveries have failed to find a team-mate.

A nice and relaxed warm-up for Celtic pair Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Yang Hyun-Jun, who are among the visitors' substitutes this afternoon.

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Brian Graham has scored three goals in six games for Thistle this season, but the club captain won't want to see this one again.

His own goal has Hearts ahead at Tynecastle.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Rovers are reminding us all of the quality that exists in the Championship.

They're not just holding their own, they've created by far the best clear-cut opportunities.

Lee Johnson demanded energy, but it's a bit flat right now. So many changes can't help, but there's clear room for more intensity.

The visitors are growing in confidence.

Hibs started the better, but Rovers have come close twice through Callum Smith and Lewis Vaughan as the visitors settle.

Ouch!published at 14:15 BST 20 August 2023

14:15 BST 20 August 2023

Hibernian 0-0 Raith Rovers

Hibs boss Lee Johnson with an early high challenge on the club physio...

Physios get too much protection these days.

Image source, SNS

No surprise to see Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes stick with the same starting XI from the opening home win over Rangers and last weekend's goalless draw at Tynecastle.

The Ayrshire side have yet to concede in the Premiership. Can they keep the cup holders out?

Hearts are hemming Thistle in right now, starting the game at a real intensity.

Thistle struggling to get out in the early stages.

It's been all Hibs in the early stages, with Martin Boyle having an early shot blocked for a corner.

Gustaf Lagerbielke is pitched straight in for his Celtic debut, following injuries to fellow centre-halves Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Welsh.

The Swedish defender played his last game for Elfsborg seven days ago, so fitness won't be an issue, although he's only had a couple of training sessions with his new team-mates.

Odin Holm, the summer arrival from Valerenga, starts in midfield, with David Turnbull dropping to the bench.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock: Dennis, Mayo, Deas, Findlay, Armstrong, Watson, Lyons, Magennis, Ndaba, Kennedy, Watkins.

Substitutes: O'Hara, Wright, Davies, Donnelly, Polworth, McKenzie, Murray, Wales, Vassell.

Celtic: Hart, Ralston, Lagerbielke, Nawrocki, Taylor, McGregor, Holm, O'Riley, Abada, Maeda, Kyogo.

Substitutes: Bain, Scales, Haksabanovic, Yang, Turnbull, Kwon, Tomoki, Bernabei, Forrest.

While keeping an eye on the action in Edinburgh, we'll bring you the build-up to the game at Rugby Park, where kick-off is approaching in just under an hour.

We're under way at Easter Road and Tynecastle.

How will those starting line-up changes with Europe in mind affect the Premiership hosts against second-tier visitors?

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Hibernian fans have been on an incredible rollercoaster already this season. Very low lows followed by incredible highs.

That's where they are right now with the prospect of Aston Villa coming to town midweek an absolutely mouth-watering prospect.

Which Hibs will turn up today is the question given the personnel changes?

Former Hibs hero Ian Murray will sense an opportunity with Rovers making a strong start to the campaign with a big crowd here behind them.