Today feels like D-Day for Celtic’s title defence as we head to Fir Park, trailing theRangers by five points after their win yesterday against Hearts with a scoreline that increases significantly their goal difference advantage.

Nothing other than a victory will do for Celtic and a decent performance from the team is pretty much essential too with a good few goals being the icing on the cake. The 4,558 Celtic supporters at the game today will get behind the team and give them the backing needed.

Hopefully Brendan Rodgers has listened to the voices from the supporters this week but he shouldn’t need that, he saw with his own eyes the dreadful display last weekend against Kilmarnock and unless that is arrested today them our title will slip away and we’ll be heading to a summer of discontent.

So the stakes are high. Adam Idah reckons he now understands the pressure that comes with playing for Celtic and the need to win every game. That resolve will be tested by Motherwell today in a much Celtic simply must win.

Team News

Brendan Rodgers is boosted by the return of three players to the squad that drew with Kilmarnock last weekend. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are back and could both start while Odin Holm returns after missing out last week. There’s no news on James Forrest who appears to be fit but has dropped out if contention despite the dismal form of the various wingers who are getting game-time.

Predicted Team

Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Bernardo, O’Riley, Maeda, Kyogo and Idah.

Subs: Bain, Ralston, Welsh, Nawrocki, Bernabei, Tomoki, Palma, Kun, Yang and Oh.

Match Officials

Willie Collum has been announced as the referee for the game with the veteran whistler assisted by Jonathan Bell and John McCrossan with Duncan Williams acting as Fourth Official. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Gavin Duncan is on VAR and he is assisted by Gary Hilland.

Stadium Access

Kick Off Time

The game kicks off at 12pm (Celtic Park Time).

Where to Watch

The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football and Main Event with coverage starting at 11am. Celtic TV will also be showing the match live for subscribers based outside of Britain and Ireland. Celtic TV will be on air from 11:45am and Gerry McCulloch will be joined by Simon Donnelly on commentary duties.

Motherwell v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Fir Park,  30 September 2023 Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

Predicted Score

It’s a must win and even at 1-0 as we found out last weekend, the points are far from being safe. A 2-0 Celtic lead and settling for that in the circumstances will be acceptable. Motherwell 0-2 Celtic.

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