Celtic make the trip to Motherwell this afternoon and ESPN bring us live coverage of what is sure to be an interesting affair.
Both sides suffered humiliating exits from Europe on Thursday, proving just how far behind Scottish football is in comparison to our cousins on the continent. Both Craig Brown and Neil Lennon need moral boosting wins, they need their players to show character and bounce straight back and most of all they need three points. The outcome of this match could shape both teams fortunes for months to come, and for very different reasons.
If Celtic fall they are in serious trouble of losing the trust of their fans but if they win they can fully concentrate on wrestling the SPL crown back from Rangers. Victory for Motherwell would see confidence surge whilst defeat would condemn them to weeks of recovery and rebuilding. A cure has to be found for the continental hangover.
The home side can once again call upon the services of Steve Jennings and Esteban Casagolda whilst the likes of Gary Hooper, Charlie Mulgrew, Mark Wilson, Thomas Rogne and Andreas Hinkel are all doubtful or out for the visitors. The last three meetings between these sides have produced a total of twelve goals, meaning over 2.5 here can be trusted at 3/4 (bet365). Celtic have struggled away to Motherwell in the past but they possess the better quality of player and can be backed to win the match at 6/10 (William Hills).
Later in the day we can enjoy Hibs trip to Paisley courtesy of Sky Sports. The Hibees haven’t lost to St Mirren in any of their last 7 meetings and the value has to be with the capital city boys at a generous 11/8.
