Celtic vs Motherwell
16 October 1500hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick Over 2 .5 goals
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 4/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, 13 Wednesday October
Celtic got a much-needed win before the international break and will be looking to follow-up when they take on an in-form Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday.
Table of Contents
Motherwell Preview – Can Lazio bounce back from disappointing last time out?
Motherwell signed off for the international break with a defeat away to Hearts – their first loss since the opening day of the season. Ironically that was against the other team from the capital. In between Graham Alexander’s men had won four and drawn two, indicating that they would be much more likely to challenge for the top six than be involved in the bottom half like they were last season. ‘Well are currently fourth and a point ahead of Saturday’s opponents.
Since losing to Hibs Motherwell have won their last three at Fir Park, getting the better of Dundee, Aberdeen and Ross County. They are measly in defence on their own turf, too, conceding just one goal in those three matches.
Whilst that is a nod to how well they defend and make life difficult for opponents, it’s at the other end where they excelled. A front three of Kaiyne Woolery, Kevin van Veen and Tony Watt are causing huge problems for the teams they come up against. The defeat to Hearts is the first match where Motherwell have failed to score.
Motherwell have had some joy against Celtic at home in the way of draws in recent seasons (three straight draws between November 2017 and December 2018). But their last win was back in 2013 and they have conceded 13 goals in the three fixtures at Fir Park since.
Celtic Preview – Will Inzaghi lead his Inter team to a victory over former club?
It may have been an underwhelming performance overall but the 2-1 win away to Aberdeen could well be the turning point for Celtic this season. That’s what Ange Postecoglou will be hoping, at least. A late goal from Jota provided the Hoops with their first points and win away from home in the league this season. They remain in sixth spot and six points behind Rangers but it’s a monkey off their back.
It remains just two wins in 10 away games in the league for Celtic and four in 14 for the calendar year. They will have to win a lot more of the seven they have left remaining for 2021 if they are to challenge for the title.
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Celtic were also able to welcome back top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi and captain Callum McGregor to league action, easily their two most important players. Both have been away on international duty but are set to return fit and available for selection for this one.
Postecoglou will also be hoping that the two weeks since their last game provides a chance for the likes of James McCarthy, Giorgos Giakoumakis and James Forrest to get up to speed after respective injuries. They would provide options in what is a squad short of them.
Motherwell vs Celtic Betting Advice
The big games are only going to keep coming round for Celtic and their coach, that’s the hole they have gotten themselves in with a wretched start away from home. Motherwell are much more like the 2019/20 version when they finished third than last season and having already taken a point from Rangers (at Ibrox) they will be confident they can cause the visitors more problems on the road.
Celtic have won on their last three visits here by an aggregate score of 13-4 but they did draw in the three meetings at Fir Park prior to that run of wins.
Key Facts – Motherwell vs Celtic Betting Tip
- Motherwell have won three straight home games since losing to Hibs on the opening weekend
- Celtic recorded just their second away win in 10 league games with a 2-1 victory against Aberdeen
- ‘Well’s last win at home to Celtic was back in 2013 and they have conceded 13 in the last three meetings here
It’s not a unique or new take but backing goals when Celtic play will tend to return a profit. There have been over 2.5 goals in 12 of their last 16 games. Motherwell games do not average anything like that but taking into account the recent meetings here it looks like being another high-scoring encounter.
Best Betting Odds for Motherwell vs Celtic
