The visitors have scored six against Dundee United and five against Dundee in the last fortnight and they'll provide a stern test for our defence. While they played 24 hours after us at the weekend the quality and depth of their squad will ensure that they are not disadvantaged by the shorter preparation time.
We can clutch at the straw provided by St Johnstone a week ago when they drew 1-1 the last time Celtic were on the road. Many commentators suggested that the Saints might have deserved three rather than one point from that match and Motherwell must use that as a lever to built some belief.
When we disposed of ICT two weeks ago spirits at the club were high. We had won the 2nd v 3rd battle with ease and had every reason to face the upcoming fixtures with confidence. Those hopes were boosted by the arrival of McFadden. Consecutive defeats from Dundee United and Ross County brought us back to earth with a thump. We failed to score in either and looked a pale imitation of the free flowing attacking team that we saw earlier in the season.
Stuart McCall rarely makes public attacks on his players but he made his displeasure clear in the post match comments at Victoria Park. Regardless of the outcome under the light on Wednesday we'll be looking for a competitive performance. Celtic have shown occasional weakness away from Parkhead, losing two and drawing three, and we'll have to battle hard to take anything. Let's hope the stinging criticism finds it mark and that we stop the rot with a 1-1 draw.
Remember the last time Celtic were at Fir Park?