Preview: Motherwell vs. Celtic - prediction, team news, lineups

Motherwell will look to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership when they take on Celtic at Fir Park on Wednesday.

The home side will take to the pitch following a narrow defeat against Hearts, while the visitors arrive with six wins from their last six league matches.

Match preview

© Reuters

Motherwell sit ninth in the Premiership ranks and have endured an inconsistent start to proceedings under Stevie Hammell in 2022-23.

They have picked up six points from their last six matches and will be looking to kickstart their season this week before the league pauses for the World Cup finals.

Last weekend, the Steelmen were on the end of an agonising 3-2 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle, as goals from Louis Moult and Blair Spittal were not enough to snatch a point owing to a Lawrence Shankland penalty in the 89th minute for the hosts.

Undoubtedly, Motherwell will need to improve on home soil in the coming months; statistically, they have the worst home record in the division and have claimed just four points from six home matches.

Hammell will be praying that his side can end this slump against Celtic, with the opportunity to move as high as sixth in the Scottish Premiership available if they win.

© Reuters

Celtic arrive at Fir Park in sparkling form and sit seven points clear at the top of the league ahead of the match against Motherwell on Wednesday.

Ange Postecoglou has got his side playing entertaining attacking football, culminating in six wins from their last six Scottish Premiership fixtures as they chase another title.

The Hoops were made to work hard for their last victory against Dundee United at Celtic Park, as last-gasp efforts from Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada sealed a dramatic 4-2 win to avoid conceding ground to Rangers.

Celtic have only lost one league match this campaign from 13 encounters, which came against St Mirren in a 2-0 defeat in early October.

Postecoglou will be aiming to take another big step towards becoming champions of Scotland for the second year running with a triumph on Wednesday.

Team News

© Reuters

Motherwell will be without striker Joseph Efford for the visit of Celtic as he has been ruled out until 2023. Nathan McGinley will also miss out for the hosts with a groin concern.

Jake Carroll is a long-term absentee, while Rolando Aarons will be on the sidelines owing to a hamstring injury. Paul McGinn, Ricki Lamie and Callum Slattery risk suspension if they pick up a yellow card during the tie.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor will continue to sit out fixtures as he recovers from a long-term knee injury, meaning he will not be present on Wednesday night.

Carl Starfelt could be handed a first league start since early September as he has recovered from a knee problem and started in the Champions League match away to Real Madrid last week.

Moritz Jenz is in danger of picking up a suspension if he is booked at Fir Park.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Lamie, Penney; Slattery, Goss; Spittal, Shields, McKinstry; Van Veen

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Juranovic, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Taylor; O'Riley, Hatate, Mooy; Jota, Haksabanovic, Furuhashi

We say: Motherwell 1-4 Celtic

In a match with consequences at both ends of the table, we expect a lively affair that will produce its fair share of opportunities.

Nevertheless, Celtic will take the points in a comfortable fashion to maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.