In recent, and not so recent weeks, we have lost to Partick Thistle and Dundee United. What chance do we have at Parkhead? Not a very good one, is the general consensus.
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James McFadden returned to the squad with a lively performance from the bench at Easter Road. He needs to make sure his energies are used correctly if we stand any chance of posing Celtic a threat. Faddy was exceptionally lucky not to be sent off last week and he must learn to control his anger if things are not going his way.
The list of absentees is considerable. Dougie Ramsay and Keith Lasley will presumably both be out with injuries and Partridge, Sengewald and Pearson will join them in the stand. The three red cards last week leave us rather short at the back and in midfield. At least one of Kinniburgh and Lehmann will be required to play in defence. Given that Celtic will start with Hartson or Sutton up front, Dirk’s height may prove useful.
The midfield is anyone’s guess although it seems certain that Leitch and Adams will be in the centre. Fagan and McDonald will both be anxious to start but it would not be totally surprising if McFadden was given a start on the left wing.
Stevie Ferguson will be up front and his partner will probably come from whichever of Kemas, Lehmann and McFadden is not being used elsewhere.
It is all looking rather negative, is there anything to lift our spirits? Well, maybe. Celtic took on Celta Vigo on Thursday and they will find it impossible not to think about the second leg and the big match against Rangers that is a fortnight away. They will also be out for revenge for September – which may actually work against them.
However, there is no denying we will do well to escape with our dignity intact. Celtic 4 Motherwell 0 would not be the end of the world.