A dramatic late win against Kilmarnock has handed Celtic a massive upsurge in the title race. They now have an eight-point buffer at the top of the Premiership standings and are closing in on clinching the Scottish crown for eight times in a row. The Hoops suffered a European exit this midweek but would look to maintain their supremacy at home against Motherwell this Sunday afternoon.
The Steelmen, on the other hand, are in blistering form having claimed six successive wins in the league prior to their weekend trip to Celtic Park. They are aiming for a place in the top half of the Premiership standings. However, they would have to be at their absolute best to cause an upset against the mighty Bhoys.
Team News
Celtic would be boosted by the return of Kieran Tierney who is in contention to feature this weekend. But they are set to miss a few of their key names through injuries and suspension. Tom Rogic is ruled out with a meniscus injury whereas Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are sidelined for the season after rupturing their cruciate ligaments. The Hoops will be without Filip Benkovic until at least March due to a leg injury alongside young Anthony Ralston who suffered a ligament damage a month back.
Olivier Ntcham is struggling with his fitness to as he remains a significant doubt with a recurrence of a hamstring strain suffered a few days back. Skipper Scott Brown is suspended for the tie having received marching orders following his late winner against Kilmarnock. Leigh Griffiths has taken temporary time off due to personal reasons and is unlikely to feature again this season.
Formation
Brendan Rodgers has tried out different set-ups to figure out the best possible combination. However, a 4-2-3-1 is being preferred in recent weeks, and the players have responded well to the change due to its flexibility and balance all over the pitch. The ex-Liverpool chief opted for a ‘back five’ against Valencia on Thursday night but is expected to switch back to a 4-2-3-1 for the Sunday outing.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Goalkeeper
Although the ‘number 1’ initially, veteran Craig Gordon has lost his place recently to Scott Bain between the sticks. He was not even preferred in their midweek encounter versus Valencia.
Defence
Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer have exhibited a perfect balance in the heart of the Celtic backline. Jeremy Toljan has found it hard to settle in the new surroundings following his winter move from Borussia Dortmund. He was sent off against Los Che in their Europa League return leg fixture. The right fullback, nevertheless, has got the manager’s backings and is expected to keep hold of his place in the starting XI. Kieran Tierney is backed for a return this gameweek and should replace makeshift Jonny Hayes down the left.
Midfield
The suspension of skipper Brown might see Ryan Christie shifted to a slightly deeper role alongside Callum McGregor. Oliver Burke, the West Brom loanee, has shown his versatility and could be lined up in an attacking midfield role to dictate the moves from behind. Scott Sinclair has retrieved regular status down the left flank whereas in-form James Forrest would keep hold of his place on the other wing.
Attack
Rodgers has enough options up his sleeves for the Celtic attack. However, record-recruit Odsonne Edouard should be given the nod over Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Timothy Weah, the winter inclusions.
