Celtic face Motherwell this afternoon as the Scottish Champions look to go 15 points clear. After the blitzing of Kilmarnock last weekend at Rugby Park, Ange Postecoglou’s team could put serious pressure on Michael Beale’s theRangers, who play at Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon.
In the previous three meetings this season, Celtic have beaten the Fir Park club 2-1 home and away in the league with an impressive 4-0 away win in the League Cup.
Team News
Celtic are without Jota, James Forrest, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate for the game. The manager will hope that Jota and Hatate, in particular, are fit to return for next weekend. Abada, meanwhile, has returned to training but it is expected that the game will come too soon for him.
Despite speculation, Cameron Carter-Vickers will play after missing the game last weekend due to the surface. There had been some suggestions that he was nursing an injury.
Joe Hart, who turned 36 this week, will start in goals. A defence will likely comprise of Greg Taylor, Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Alistair Johnston.
In midfield, Tomoki Iwata and Callum McGregor should start. Matt O’Riley got the MOTM accolade last weekend and he too will play. In attack, Kyogo will start through the middle with Sead Hakšabanović and Daizen Maeda.
Predicted XI: Hart; Taylor, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Johnston; McGregor, Iwata, O’Riley; Maeda, Kyogo, Haksabanovic.
Match Officials
John Beaton is the referee for the game, suggesting he won’t have the whistle next weekend for the Scottish Cup semi-final against theRangers. Beaton is today assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Colin Drummond. Fourth Official duties are carried out by Graham Grainger with VAR Duties at Clydesdale House assumed by Mike Roncone (VAR) and John McCrossan (AVAR).
Kick-Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game is a sell-out and will be shown live on Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland.
💻 Subscribers Overseas can watch #CELMOT LIVE on @CelticTV!
More info and how to subscribe ⤵ #cinchPrem | #COYBIG🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 21, 2023
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