Celtic will host Motherwell after dropping points last weekend against Hibernian FC. In the reverse fixture against Motherwell, the Hoops suffered a late equaliser in a game where they controlled everything from the offset. Therefore they should be careful of their opponents.
This lackadaisical approach from the Bhoys have thrown the table wide open, and Rangers currently occupy the top spot, though, they have played a game more. On paper, the away side shouldn’t be much of a match, but football games are not won or lost on paper.
Team News
Dedryck Boyata is going to miss out as he is yet to recover from his hamstring injury. Leigh Griffiths has taken some time off football to concentrate on his mental health and personal matters. Ryan Christie’s ankle injury wasn’t as severe as everyone thought and he could be back this month. But this midweek tie is probably too soon for his comeback. Mikael Lustig is likely to be assessed just before the match after he suffered a concussion in the Europa League tie.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Motherwell
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon is once again expected to start in goal for the Hoops. The Croatian pair of Filip Benkovic and Jozo Simunovic are expected to partner up in the heart of the defence. Rodgers would hope that they can put in an assured performance to grab a clean sheet after they were breached twice by the Hibs.
Kieran Tierney could be back for this tie, and he would be a major addition in the back four down the left. Kristoffer Ajer is likely to carry on in the right-back role if Lustig fails to recover in time.
Midfield
Scott Brown was lucky to be on the pitch against the Hibs and Rodgers would want a more controlled performance from his midfield veteran. Olivier Ntcham is going to be his partner in the middle of the park, and the Frenchman would be in a more dynamic role.
Callum McGregor has played non stop, and we believe he should be rested for this tie. Tom Rogic should start as the attacking midfielder. Scott Sinclair is likely to start from the left, though, he needs to improve on his game. James Forrest is once again going to play on the right flank, and he is going to be a major threat to Motherwell’s defence.
Attack
With no real options, Odsonne Edouard is likely to start up front. Mikey Johnston has played in a few games up top, but Rodgers cannot afford to experiment and drop points here.
