Wednesday 5th December 1945hrs Motherwell v Celtic Football – Scotland – Premiership There’s often plenty of drama and controversy in Scottish football and the weekend just there was no different with talking points galore. One of them included Celtic winning the League Cup for the third year in a row but they had to give up top spot in the league due to contesting the final. They travel to Fir Park on Wednesday looking to keep the pressure on the new leaders, Rangers, but will face a Motherwell team who have a habit of making it difficult for the Glasgow clubs when at home. Continue reading for a match preview of Motherwell against Celtic with a selected best betting tip.
This season was always going to be a test for Stephen Robinson and his Motherwell squad on the highs of last term. The Fir Park club reached both domestic cup finals (and promptly lost both to Celtic) but it was one of the most exciting campaigns for a long time. Their league form suffered at the back end and with some key players moving on there was going to be even more difficulties being able to reach the same level of performance on a consistent basis, and that’s the way it’s proved. Motherwell started this season very slowly, winning just one of their first nine games in the league. It left them looking over their shoulder and worrying about a potential relegation battle, but those fears have been allayed somewhat with a better run of late. Three wins in their last five games have given ‘Well some breathing space in the bottom half of the table and they are now nine points off bottom spot and six off the relegation playoff spot. They of course cannot get complacent but it would be a surprise to see them finish below Dundee or St Mirren who have looked poor throughout the season.
It was another successful visit to Hampden for Celtic who defeated Aberdeen 1-0 to win a seventh successive domestic competition in Scotland. It really is a phenomenal record for Brendan Rodgers but the work continues and the month of December is going to be a massive one for both he and his players. Due to their cup commitments on Sunday, Celtic relinquished top spot in the Premiership but they do have a game in hand over Rangers and will not be panicking just yet. The win over Aberdeen did come at some cost, though, as their influential defender Dedryk Boyata who will be missing because of hamstring injury. His future may lie elsewhere long term but there’s no doubting how important he has been to Celtic’s recent good form. The champions make the short trip to Lanarkshire to face Motherwell on Wednesday evening having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions. During that run they have kept seven clean sheets so it will be frustrating for Rodgers having to make an enforced change in the defence. Against an opponent such as Motherwell they are very likely to be tested, especially at set pieces and with cross balls coming into the box.
Motherwell v Celtic Betting Tip
I mentioned that Motherwell have made this visit a difficult one for Celtic of late and you only have to look back to last season’s meetings at Fir Park. Both games ended in draws and the hosts felt aggrieved because of refereeing decisions on both occasions. Going back to the season before and there was one of the games of recent times in Scotland which ended 4-3 to Celtic. Motherwell had taken a two goal lead in that game but were unable to hold on meaning it’s now over five years since ‘Well have beaten Celtic at home.
Motherwell’s style of play is well documented. It’s physical and direct, and that’s something that Celtic will have to cope with if they are to get a vital three points. The pressure has been cranked up with Rangers leapfrogging the hoops to top spot and they have to show that desire and hunger to continue winning – which is something we have become accustomed to under Rodgers. It could be a bruising encounter but when you look at Motherwell’s season they have won just twice at home so far. Celtic will no doubt make some changes for this one and the freshened selection can see them record another win. Rodgers and his players may have to be patient though so take them to be drawing at half time and winning at full time.
Selection: Draw HT/Celtic FT 15/4 @ Marathon Bet
