Celtic have won both of their opening two games in the Scottish Premiership.

This weekend sees a different challenge as they travel to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup. Brendan Rodgers' side have won the competition the last two seasons and they will be looking to make it three-in-row this campaign.

Derek McInnes' team will provide stern opposition, however, as they have made a strong start to the season after defeating Rangers and drawing away to Hearts. The two teams met in the tournament's semi-finals last season, where Celtic ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis.

How will the Hoops line up in Ayrshire? Our writers have their say...

Ryan McGinlay

Regardless of what the past couple of scorelines tell you, Rugby Park will not be an easy place to go for Celtic, especially against a rejuvenated Kilmarnock side under the management of McInnes. Celtic will be aiming to retain all of the domestic trophies currently in their possession, so they will field a strong team in light of this.

In goal, Joe Hart will remain between the sticks, after a better performance against Aberdeen for the experienced goalkeeper. Out wide in defence, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston will occupy each of the full-back positions, with the former needing to put in an improved performance after having a bit of a nightmare at Pittodrie last week. Now a defensive stalwart at the back for Celtic, Maik Nawrocki will take his place once again in the starting line-up. He will be joined by Gustaf Lagerbielke who will make his debut in place of the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

In midfield, captain Callum McGregor will take his usual place in the team, where the impressive Odin Thiago Holm will join him in the double pivot. Cameos against Athletic Club, Ross County, and most notably, Aberdeen have many excited over the Norwegian’s prospects this campaign, so this may be an ideal place and time to give him his first start of the season. O’Riley – Celtic’s in-form player – will be the furthest of the central midfielders again for this one. Can he make it three from three in terms of standout performances this season so far?

This game offers an opportunity to rotate a little, so Celtic will take this as a chance to give others a chance in the team. Liel Abada will retain his place, operating on the right-hand side, whereas Yang Hyun-jun also gets his first start of the season playing on the opposite side. Kyogo’s game-time has got to be effectively managed – especially due to Oh Hyeon-gyu's injury – so Daizen Maeda will lead the line for Celtic in a role he excelled in during pre-season. He is a player that seems to suit playing on a plastic surface, so he will have no problem being the focal point in attack come Sunday.

Ryan's team: Hart; Ralston, Lagerbielke, Nawrocki, Taylor; McGregor, Holm; Abada, O’Riley, Yang; Maeda

READ MORE: The Celtic Champions League dream Brendan Rodgers wants to fulfil

Tony Haggerty

Hart will begin the game between the sticks as he remains the number-one choice at the club.

Ralston will continue at right-back due to Alistair Johnston still being on the injury list. Lagerbielke will make his debut in place of Carter-Vickers and he will be joined by Nawrocki in the centre of defence. Taylor also is at left-back once again.

In terms of the midfield, the double pivot will be made up of McGregor and O'Riley as it was for the victory at Pittodrie. Abada will feature on the right-hand side, Holm will make his first start in the number 10 role and Maeda will begin the fixture in the left wing.

Kyogo will lead the line through the middle as expected.

READ MORE: Meet Quentin Merlin: Celtic's latest left-back target

Tony's team: Hart; Ralston, Lagerbielke, Nawrocki, Taylor, McGregor, O'Riley; Maeda, Holm, Yang, Kyogo.

Aidan Macdonald

There are a few interesting choices Rodgers will have to make ahead of this one. Injuries and a loss of form will play a part in his starting XI. 

Hart is the only choice in goals. He should be more than capable for the trip to Ayrshire but it is very much a position that the club need to address going forward.

Ralston will start at right-back, given the current injury situation. It will be a new central defensive partnership as Lagerbielke makes his debut alongside Nawrocki. Taylor will begin at left-back as he looks for an improved performance after the game at Pittodrie.

McGregor and O'Riley will make up the double pivot in midfield. In front of them will be Abada on the right wing, Holm as the number 10 and Maeda on the left-hand side.

Kyogo will lead the line through the middle as he looks to score for the third consecutive game running. 

Aidan's team: Hart; Ralston, Lagerbielke, Nawrocki, Taylor; McGregor, O'Riley; Abada, Holm, Maeda; Kyogo