Brendan Rodger’s side return to league action against Motherwell on Saturday, almost a week following their League Cup final triumph. Celtic hammered Aberdeen 3-0 at Hampden and will look to continue their unbeaten start to the domestic season and carry it on into a fifth month. The League Cup became Celtic’s 100th major honour in their rich history and now their target will be to complete an invincible treble which is not at all an easy job but the fans will certainly fancy their chances.
The outcome of the game between Hearts and Rangers in the midweek means that Celtic can go 17 points clear of second place if they win all their games in hand over Hearts and can also go 13 clear of The Dons, who have played one more game than the Hoops at this stage.
Motherwell registered their seventh loss of the season last weekend following a 3-0 away loss to Hearts. Still, they are in the top half sitting sixth with 15 points. This game looks like a cakewalk for Celtic on paper but games are never won on paper! Celtic and Motherwell have met twice this season with Celtic winning both games, one 2-0 and another 3-0.
Team news
Motherwell team news
Carl McHugh (Concussion), Joe Chalmers (Groin operation) and Lee Lucas (Knee injury) are unavailable for Saturday’s fixture. Richard Tait should recover from a dead leg to play.
Celtic team news
Kieran Terney and Scott Sinclair is the only player to miss out for Celtic this weekend. Kris Commons is back in training but is unlikely to be involved in this game. Gary Mackay-Steven is up to speed and is ready to play when called upon after undergoing surgery in the off-season on his ankle.
Predicted lineups
Motherwell (3-5-2): Samson; McManus, Ferguson, Heneghan; Tait, Cadden, Clay, Lasley, McMillan; McDonald, Moult
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Sviatchenko, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Brown, McGregor; Forrest, Rogic, Armstrong; Dembele
Key players
Motherwell- Louis Moult
The 24-year-old forward has been impressive for Motherwell this season. The Englishman has scored eight goals and set up three for his teammates from 12 games in all competitions. Moult will be a player to watch out for against Celtic especially for the Celtic defenders.
Celtic- Moussa Dembele
Dembele was always destined to make it big in club football but the impact he has made at Celtic since joining in the summer has been exceptional. With 17 goals from 27 games in all competitions, he will be the key player for Celtic against Motherwell.
Odds
Motherwell win- 15.00
Draw- 6.50
Celtic win- 1.20
