Santa’s gift to Motherwell is a Boxing Day trip to Parkhead. Maybe he has organised a nice surprise for the travelling fans?
Celtic failed to puncture the Dundee United defence on Sunday and as a result they took only one point for the first time in the last ten league fixtures. There’s no doubt that Motherwell would be content if another goalless encounter was to arrive on Thursday.
Much has been made of the quality of players missing to Brendan Rodgers because of injury but a look at the replacements available ends any misplaced sympathy
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Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnston and Adam Idah scored to give Celtic a 3-0 win when the teams met at Fir Park in October. That dark day also came with a red card for Liam Gordon.
Stuart Kettlewell had to begin his preparation for the Glasgow trip with a doubt over the status of Dan Casey. At the time of writing an appeal had been lodged on his behalf and the expectation is that the dismissal he suffered for the incident with Danny Armstrong would be overturned.
Steve Seddon received an ankle knock at the weekend and he is still under scrutiny. A late decision on his fitness looks likely.
Motherwell looked more attack minded when Tawanda Maswanhise made a late appearance against Kilmarnock but it may be more prudent to tale a more conservative approach at Celtic Park.
There will be no lack or organisation or commitment from the Steelmen but history is not on the side of the visitors. ‘Well fans have to recall a Louis Moult double in 2015 for a winning memory. The heart says otherwise but the head expects a 2-0 defeat.