There is always a fear in this situation that Celtic will be stung into action and their good players will react with a strong performance. However, their current predicament is partially because they are simply a group of players and not a team. So, if we can hold out after the initial burst, our chances of taking something will increase as the game progresses.
Craig Brown is probably the ideal manager to have in charge for this type of fixture which will require a well-drilled defence and disciplined midfield. Ruddy being injured and set to miss out will be a huge blow though and it remains to be seen if Fraser will get the nod ahead of emergency signing Kyle Letheren. Fraser is probably not a bad keeper but he is certainly well behind the magnificent Ruddy and has struggled to gain acceptance from the support. A strong performance here would go a long way to turning that round.
We'll miss you John!
At the other end of the park we will hope that Jutkiewicz is fit again to provide the cutting edge which was so clearly lacking against Falkirk but it then poses the question of what happens to Sutton and Murphy. Should we try to shoehorn them into a formation or does one get a seat on the bench?
If Celtic manage to get in front we may find it hard to live with a team out for blood and certainly pushing up against a team containing Robbie Keane would be a huge risk. If we hold out beyond the early barrage their nerves will become all too apparent and with a bit of luck we can make a happy journey back to Motherwell with a 1-1 draw in our pocket.