Of course, while that is the line the media will no doubt be after, we know better than to focus on Celtic’s issues. Given Motherwell’s performances and results against the other ten, improving to a point where we can compete with the Old Firm over 90 minutes would surely install us as favourites for third place.
We showed in our last home match with Celtic that we are capable of beating them on our day but the last three meetings – all in Glasgow – have produced three highly convincing defeats. It also has to be remembered that even when the Old Firm are not matching their usual standard of dominance, they are still considerably better than the rest; nothing short of our very best will give us a chance.
Sutton score the last time at Fir Park
Celtic’s defence has been a notable weakness and is this is an area we can look to exploit but our own back four is also cause for concern. Hutchinson made a welcome return last week but Saunders remains out and Hammell faces a race against time to be fit. At the other end of the pitch McHugh being injured removes one option from the bench but even though Higdon and Murphy are not in great scoring form, it would seem brave or foolish to consider removing them when the results are flowing anyway.
This will be a very tough contest but arguably we have nothing to lose and everything to gain while for Celtic the opposite is true. However, if we emerge with a 1-1 draw few in the home stands are likely to be unhappy with the outcome.