Motherwell often produce the best performances when nothing is expected of them and there is no doubt that absolutely nothing is expected here. Our display against Rangers was notable not only for the complete lack of basic technique shown by the players but the total absence of fight or defensive organisation. Celtic may not be at their best right now either but unless we show a considerable improvement, the result could end up being embarrassing.
'Well fans at Parkhead
It seems more and more likely that we will not have a new manager in place for the game meaning Gordon Young will somehow have to rally the troops. He himself acknowledges that managing in the SPL is a step above his ability so our senior players really have to step up and start leading those around them. It is unlikely many changes will be made from Sunday since we do not have depth but Sutton may have earned a start and if Hateley is not fully recovered then surely Fitzpatrick – or at least Forbes – is a better option for the centre of the park than Alan Gow. Jennings will be much missed again due to suspension.
Celtic will be missing Maloney and Hooper but still have plenty of players who can hurt us. They should have beaten us more comfortably than 1-0 at Fir Park earlier in the year but that game and their recent struggles at home, show they are far from lethal in front of goal. If we can hold out for the first 20 minutes we may be able to put up some resistance but it is hard to see anything other than another defeat in this tie. A 2-0 reversal before focussing on the big game this Saturday would not be the end of the world.