Despite a 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa in the final gameweek of the Champions League group league, Celtic have qualified for the knockout phase playoffs and are set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in a battle to secure a Round of 16 spot. But they must first focus on a few domestic encounters starting with Sunday afternoon’s Motherwell clash at Fir Park.
The Well, currently fifth in the Premiership standings, suffered defeats both home and away against the league leaders so far this season. They also sustained back-to-back defeats against bottom-placed St Johnstone in their past two games, and it would be a colossal task for Stuart Kettlewell’s men to script an upset regardless of their 2-2 home draw against Rangers on New Year’s Eve.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
Brendan Rodgers has rotated his outfield players but relies on veteran Kasper Schmeichel who was roped in as a like-for-like replacement for Joe Hart. He has not secured a clean sheet on the road since a stalemate against Dundee United before Christmas and it remains to be seen whether the hosts test him enough between the sticks.
Barcelona ended Alex Valle’s loan deal in favour of a move to Como. Rodgers, therefore, would bank on Greg Taylor down the left for the remainder of the season unless he persuades Arsenal to bring Kieran Tierney back at Parkhead before Monday’s deadline. Liam Scales featured in deep defence against the Villans amid Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury absence. But the USMNT centre-back has recovered from his niggle and is expected to partner with fellow countryman Auston Trusty this weekend. Meanwhile, the right fullback role belongs to Alistair Johnston who has taken Anthony Ralston out of the equation.
Midfield
Celtic rely heavily on skipper Callum McGregor as they do not have an outright alternative to the experienced Scotsman. He must operate from the base with his technicality, vision and game-reading traits, however, the gaffer should opt for rotation and rest Arne Engels and Reo Hatate in favour of Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo. They should maintain composure in the middle of the park as well as offer their presence in and around the attacking third with box-to-box movements and down-the-middle runs.
Attack
