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

However, the Hoops are sure to be tested with the Steelmen currently just three places below them in fourth, although they do head into this game following consecutive defeats.

Match preview

Motherwell have had a strong start to the new season which is reflected by their current league position, with the club trailing Celtic by only six points.

The Steelmen had been undefeated following the first four games, but they have been hit with a reality check in their previous two fixtures where they have suffered defeats.

However, even in those losses against St Mirren and Rangers, Motherwell showcased resilience and have been difficult to break down which is why each match finished 1-0.

Stuart Kettlewell has his team fairly well drilled at the back, but he will want to see more from the attacking side of the team as they are currently averaging just a goal per game in the league.

That is something that may not prove to be enough when facing a team as strong as the defending league champions, with the pressure on the likes of Theo Bair and Connor Wilkinson mounting.

Goals are something that the visitors have had no issues with this season as Celtic have been free-flowing in that department, scoring 14 times already this season in the league.

Brendan Rogers has created a great balance with his team early on, because while they are the highest-scoring team in the division they have also only conceded three times.

The Hoops showcased exactly what they are capable of last weekend when they faced Livingston, even when they were dealt with a difficult situation after Joe Hart was sent off in the 28th minute.

Even though Celtic had 10 men for the majority of the game they were still able to dispatch the Lions by three goals to nil with Reo Hatate, Matt O'Riley and Daizen Maeda all getting on the scoresheet.

However, even though they have impressed in the early beginnings Rogers will still be wary of the fact St Mirren are only two points behind them at the moment, with the room for error being very small in the title race.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

W

W

L

L

Motherwell form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

L

L

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

D

W

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

L

W

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Team News

Motherwell have a series of injuries to deal with this weekend as Calum Butcher, Mika Biereth and Jon Obika have all been on the sidelines as of late.

However, the Steelmen did welcome Pape Souare back to training throughout this week, although it remains to be seen whether this game will come too soon for him to feature from the start.

The visitors will be forced to make at least one change to the starting XI due to the fact that Hart was sent off last weekend which will open up an opportunity for Scott Bain to feature.

James Forrest was brought into the team from the first whistle for the victory against Livingston, but ended up having to be pulled off early due to them going down to 10 men, so Rogers may look to provide him more minutes this time around.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Casey, Mugabi, McGinley; O'Donnell, Paton, Slattery, Miller, Spencer; Shaw, Bair

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Bain; Johnston, Lagerbielke, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Kyogo, Forrest

We say: Motherwell 0-2 Celtic

Motherwell have proven themselves to be difficult to defeat so far this season, but this weekend could be a step too far for them.

The Steelmen have struggled as of late and that is something that Celtic could look to exploit, with their attacking qualities set to be too much in this one.

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