Ayr United vs Celtic predictions for this friendly match. Ayr United host Scottish champions Celtic at Somerset Park on Friday, aiming to maintain a 100% pre-season record. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Club Friendlies: | Jul 5, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Somerset Park

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Ayr United vs Celtic Predictions

Can Ayr United Upset Celtic’s Pre-Season Plans at Somerset Park?

This Friday night, Ayr United will host Celtic at Somerset Park in a pre-season friendly. As both teams continue their preparations for the upcoming season, this match promises to be a significant test, especially for Ayr United, who aim to maintain their winning momentum.

Match Preview

Ayr United, under the leadership of Scott Brown, are keen to extend their pre-season winning streak. Brown, a former Celtic player with 581 appearances for the club, now faces his old team as a manager. Since taking charge at Ayr United, Brown has led his team to seven wins and three draws in 17 matches, a commendable record for a manager still early in his career.

In contrast, Celtic are just beginning their pre-season journey. Managed by Brendan Rodgers, who returned to the club last year, Celtic have enjoyed considerable success, clinching both the Scottish Cup and the Premiership in the previous campaign. Despite the lack of new signings so far, Celtic remain a formidable force, with players like Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi expected to play pivotal roles.

Ayr United’s Form and Strategy

Ayr United have already played two pre-season matches, securing victories in both. Their recent 4-2 win over East Kilbride highlighted their attacking potential, with Mark McKenzie expected to lead the line in the absence of last season’s top scorer Anton Davis. New signings, including Scott McMann and Marco Rus, are likely to feature prominently as Brown looks to solidify his squad ahead of the Championship season.

Ayr’s statistics from last season indicate a balanced approach with a slight emphasis on attacking play. They averaged 1.5 goals per game while maintaining a possession rate of 48.1%. Their defensive record, however, was less impressive, conceding 1.7 goals per game on average. This defensive frailty could be a concern against a team of Celtic’s calibre.

Celtic’s Preparations and Lineup

Celtic’s pre-season preparations are just kicking off, and several key players are still on international duty. This means Rodgers will likely field a mix of first-team regulars and fringe players. Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, and Maik Nawrocki are expected to feature prominently. With goalkeepers Scott Bain and Tobi Oluwayemi likely to share game time, Rodgers will have a chance to assess his squad depth.

Celtic’s dominant performance last season, where they scored 92 goals and conceded only 20 in the league, underscores their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Even with a slightly weakened squad, they remain overwhelming favourites against Ayr United.

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Ayr’s Ben Dempsey, who provided three goals and several assists last season, will need to be at his best against Celtic’s midfield trio of Hatate, Iwata, and O’Riley. The defensive pairing of McMann and Reading for Ayr will have their hands full containing Furuhashi and Maeda, both of whom possess the ability to turn a game on its head.

Tactical Analysis and Gameplay Predictions

Ayr United are likely to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on structured defending and quick counter-attacks. Given their defensive vulnerabilities, they may struggle to contain Celtic’s high-tempo, possession-based game. Celtic, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and use their attacking flair to break down Ayr’s defence.

Expect Celtic to press high and force errors from Ayr’s backline. With O’Riley orchestrating the midfield and Furuhashi’s movement in the final third, Celtic are likely to create numerous scoring opportunities.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Ayr United’s primary strength lies in their attacking intent and ability to exploit counter-attacks. However, their defensive lapses and susceptibility to high pressing are significant weaknesses. Scott Brown’s managerial inexperience at this level could also be a factor against a well-drilled Celtic side.

Celtic’s strengths are well-documented: a potent attack, disciplined defence, and a manager with a proven track record. However, their reliance on key players like O’Riley and Furuhashi means that any off-day for these individuals could impact the team’s overall performance. Additionally, their lack of competitive match practice might make them vulnerable in the early stages of the game.

Managerial Analysis

Scott Brown’s tenure at Ayr United has been promising, but this match against Celtic represents his biggest challenge yet. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players will be crucial. Brendan Rodgers, on the other hand, is an experienced campaigner with a clear tactical vision. His ability to adapt and make in-game adjustments could prove decisive.

Predictions

1. Best Bet: Celtic -2 to Win

Given their superior squad quality and tactical discipline, Celtic are favourites to win solidly. Ayr United, despite their pre-season form, are likely to be outclassed by Celtic’s attacking prowess and organised defence.

2. Correct Score Prediction: Ayr United 0-3 Celtic

Celtic’s dominance in possession and attacking efficiency should see them score multiple goals while keeping a clean sheet. Ayr United’s defensive vulnerabilities and Celtic’s ability to exploit them point towards a comprehensive victory for the visitors.

3. Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi to Score Anytime

Furuhashi’s sharpness in pre-season training and his track record make him a prime candidate to score. His movement and finishing ability will pose significant problems for Ayr’s defence.

4. Corner Prediction: Celtic to Have More Corners

Celtic’s attacking style and dominance in possession will likely result in more corners. Ayr United’s defensive posture and reliance on counter-attacks mean they will have fewer opportunities to earn corners.

5. Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 10.5

Considering Celtic’s attacking approach and Ayr United’s attempts to counter, there should be a high number of corners. Both teams’ styles of play contribute to this expectation.

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