Motherwell vs Celtic Prediction – The champions clacking could help Motherwell keep up with second place

There is little left to say about Celtic. Having the best team in the league and little in the way of competition has ensured that the league is sewn up already. What remains now is to see out the rest of the season by touring the various ground of the SPL in order to see what could have been. With little more than a higher total of points, the Glaswegian’s exhibition tour pays a visit to Motherwell who will be looking to find a way to move into second place. With Celtic’s narrow formation having provided a strong enough spine to see off most teams, the width offered by the Motherwell wingers could be enough to challenge the champion’s full backs.

Despite being crowned Scottish champions already, Celtic’s form has not suffered from complacency. Indeed, they are unbeaten in five and the team have managed to keep grinding out wins regardless of whether they matter or not. As such, Celtic’s form can be a difficult barometer when it comes to predicting results. While they have threatened and capitalised throughout recent weeks, with no prize to drive towards, the possibility of the team’s energy dropping is a constant threat and something Neil Lennon will have to manage accordingly.

Recent losses to worse opposition have halted Motherwell’s progress. Whilst they still find themselves in an excellent position to finish second, defeats to St Mirren and Kilmarnock have slowed them down. Rather than team’s down the division, however, a chance to come up against the champions will be something which the manager and the fans will be hoping will spur them on throughout the match and the home crowd might just be able to bring enough noise to back a better performance.

Team News

Celtic will be looking towards Stokes to build on his recent run of form. After facing criticism for simply being a goal scorer, the striker has been adding a better all round game throughout this season. The top scorer Kris Commons will likely feature though the inclusion of Griffiths is in doubt after the player faced criticism for alleged singing of derogatory songs during a recent match. Celtic continue to benefit from the best squad in the division in terms of both quality and depth.

Motherwell will be relying on the goals of John Sutton if they are to get anything from the game. As the club’s top scorer, playing just off Anier could be the key to unlocking a steadfast Celtic defence. Carswall is unlikely to feature due to needing an operation. Reid and Anier have been carrying knocks though are likely to feature.

Motherwell

P33 W19 D03 L11

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Predicted Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Nielsen; Reid, Kerr, McManus, Hammell; Ainsworth, Lasley, Leitch, Vigurs; Sutton, Anier

Celtic

P33 W28 D04 L01

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Predicted Line-Up (4-1-2-1-2): Forster; Brown, Ambrose, van Djik, Izaguirre; Kayal; Johansen, Henderson; Commons; Stokes, Samaras

Prediction: Motherwell 2 – 1 Celtic

Home advantage and two up front might well be able to make up the difference in quality between the sides.