Predicted Celtic XI vs Motherwell as Martin O'Neill rolls the dice on Hoops gamble with title on the line
Here’s who we think will start for Celtic in their clash with Motherwell at Fir Park.
Celtic are looking to keep their Premiership title hopes alive on Wednesday as they travel to Motherwell in their penultimate league match this season.
There are various permutations for the Hoops to consider from second place but the simplest is winning at Fir Park to guarantee a final day shootout with leaders Hearts at Parkhead. A 3-1 win over Rangers has buoyed the fanbase and brought hopes of title retention fully to the boil in Glasgow’s east-end.
Midfielder Benjamin Nygren said ahead of kick-off: “It’s very strong, I’ve believed the whole time, and you have to do that. We’ve had a lot of confidence, especially in the last couple of games. We’ve been very good and very strong, so we’re going for it.’
“I’ve felt the confidence in the group and in the squad the whole season, and I think we’ve showed so many times when we’ve been down in some games that we’ve kept believing and kept going for it. I think the hunger of winning is at max level and we’re hunting in every game. And we’re putting so much pressure on the opponent in every game, it’s been very good.”
With just the one change to the side that defeated Rangers 3-1, here is who we think will start for Celtic against Motherwell.
GK - Viljami Sinisalo
Celtic’s number one at the minute keeps his place.
RB - Alistair Johnston
Perhaps won’t play the full game after long-term injury but Canadia is a handful down the right.
CB - Auston Trusty
Had a tough time of it versus Rangers but still someone O’Neill trusts.
CB - Liam Scales
Irishman has been a steady presence at the back and will be needed again.
LB - Kieran Tierney
Has grown over the course of the season and managed previous fitness concerns really well to allow him to get through busy match schedules.
CDM - Callum McGregor
The skipper another certain to start.
CM - Arne Engels
Belgian has added physicality in midfield the Hoops have lacked in his absence.
CM - Benjamin Nygren
There has to be more from his overall play but you can’t deny the Swede’s attacking instincts.
RW - Yang
South Korean has come on leaps and bounds this term. Deserves chance in a big occasion.
ST - Kelechi Iheanacho
Some may argue that this vs Motherwell will be more difficult of a hurdle for Celtic than Saturday, given the lack of a 60,000 home crowd in their favour. They can’t get to Saturday without winning here so it’s now or never when it comes to the club’s best striker starting. Replaces Luke McCowan. It’s a gamble amid fitness issues but Celtic are approaching last chance saloon.
LW - Daizen Maeda
On fire at the minute and a certain starter.
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