Celtic are back in action tonight in Motherwell and with Hearts not playing have a chance to go level on points with the league leaders Hearts. Wilfried Nancy style of play has seen Celtic lose 4 games and win two since his arrival at the club. His 3 at the back system has failed to keep a clean sheet conceding 13 goals in total in his first 6 games.
Tonight would be a great time to start with a clean sheet but the odds are against it. Winning by 5 goals is the only way Celtic will sit top of the table on goal difference heading into 2026. Under Nancy Celtic have created countless chances and are guilty of terrible finishing with the woodwork and some good goalkeeping also playing a part in the poor return for chances created.
A clean sheet and win would give us all a big confidence boost ahead of the rangers visit to Celtic Park on Saturday for the Glasgow Derby.
Motherwell have been in great form and sit in fourth place in SPFL table. They lost at Ibrox at the weekend 1-0 but should have had a penalty. It was their first defeat in 11 games. They also reached the semi-final of the League Cup going out to St. Mirren.
Under Danish coach Jens Berthol Askou they have played a decent brand of football and their position in the table is proof of that. A win for Motherwell would take them to within 5 points of Celtic. The rangers currently sit between Celtic and Motherwell in the table and they take on St. Mirren tonight at Ibrox.
LAST MEETING
Earlier in the season Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 at Celtic Park. Iheanacho opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Stamatelopoulos scored close to half time to equalise for the Steelmen. He scored again to put the visitors ahead in the second half before Nygren equalised. Thankfully Maeda scored a 93rd minute winning goal to save the day and all 3 points.
TEAM NEWS
Celtic central defender Stephen Welsh has impressed since joining Motherwell on loan but as terms of his loan deal between the club he will not be allowed to play. Celtic are still without injured Iheanacho, Johnston, Osmand, Sarracchi, Jota and Carter-Vickers. While Tounekti and Balikwisha are away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations
MATCH OFFICIALS
Ref: Kevin Clancy, Assistants Callum Spence/ Douglas Ross, VAR: Andrew Dallas/ Gary Hillard
ARMCHAIR VIEWING
Tonight’s game is live on Premier Sports coverage starts at 7:30pm. Kick off is 8pm. The game will be streamed on Celtic TV outside the UK and Ireland.
LATEST BOOKIES ODDS
Motherwell 10/3 – Draw 31/10 – Celtic 5/6
Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast
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