A midweek bonus for Scottish Premiership fans with, among a full fixture list, TV coverage of Motherwell’s clash with Celtic at Fir Park. It’s only four days since the Hoops won the League Cup but the hunt for more silverware takes no holidays and victory tonight for Brednad Rodgers’ team could see them regain top spot in the table ahead of arch-rivals Rangers.
Motherwell Form
Well have won their last two home games in the Premiership but haven’t won three in a row at Fir Park since September 2017 and Stephen Robinson’s team do struggle through a lack of consistency. However, they impressed in beating Aberdeen 3-0 late last month so obviously have in them to cause problems for Celtic. Danny Johnson is a rising talent in attack and Curtis Main has been around the block while Christian Mbulu and Peter Hartley usually step up to the plate in a five-man defence. But they do have their moments, including conceding 10 goals in two matches against Rangers this season, and first-choice goalkeeper Trevor Carson is out for the season.
Celtic Form
The Bhoys still have a lengthy injury list including Kristoffer Ajer, Eboue Kouassi, Daniel Arzani and Nir Bitton and defender Dedryck Boyata will not play at Fir Park having suffered a hamstring injury against Aberdeen on Sunday. But captain Scott Brown is back in action and Celtic have not conceded a goal in any of their last four away games in the Premiership while scoring a total 14 themselves. They have been relatively slow starters lately, however, with four of their last five goals coming after half-time. Domestically, the champions are very much back on-song and are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions. They will strengthen in the transfer window so teams are going to struggle to loosen their grip, though the signs are that Rangers will make the title race more of a contest this season.
Motherwell v Celtic Head-to-Heads
Motherwell have managed to pick up just two points from eight Scottish Premiership matches with Celtic in the last three years. The North Lanarkshire side haven’t beaten their opponents at Fir Park since April 2013, drawing three and losing five of their eight encounters.
Motherwell v Celtic Current Best Odds
Motherwell 11/1, Draw 5/1, Celtic 3/10 (Odds correct at 10.30am December 5)
Motherwell v Celtic Predictions
An away win looks a formality for Celtic if they are anywhere near their best. But Motherwell and their supporters will be up for a first game of the season against the champions and recent home form will give them some encouragement. Sunday’s League Cup Final will have left its mark on some of the Celtic players so it may take while for them to hit their stride. The Draw/Celtic on the Half Time/Full Time is 17/5 with 888sport and there are worse bets on offer in this contest. We’d also be interested in the general 6/4 for Scott Sinclair to be an anytime goalscorer.
