IT'S 64 and counting for Celtic and Sunday could see one of the biggest tests of their unbeaten run.
Brendan Rodgers's side face Motherwell for the first trophy of the season just four days after a 7-1 humiliation by PSG and are 1-4 with McBookie and Betfred to win in 90 minutes.
Motherwell are 10-1 at Betfred and Ladbrokes and 11-2 at William Hill to lift the trophy.
The timing isn't great for the Hoops but over the last 18 months they've found a way to overcome every obstacle and this should be no different.
A vibrant and confident Well will turn up for the Betfred Cup Final having knocked out Rangers and Aberdeen on the way to Hampden.
Another defeat of the Dons at Pittodrie last Saturday means they'll go into the game in confident mood.
However, there is no getting away for the fact Celtic have won nine out of 10 against their rivals and four of the last five to nil.
How this works out could depend on one man. If Celtic contain Louis Moult they should win – neither Aberdeen nor Rangers could keep him quiet as he netted in both ties and hit both against Aberdeen a week ago.
Interestingly Moult has netted four goals against Celtic – both doubles. He is 17-2 at Betway to score first, 23-10 to score and 14-1 at Betfred to bag two or more.
Unlike Well Celtic have options and Rodgers has decided to go with Moussa Dembele ahead of Leigh Griffths for the forward role. Dembele is 3-1 at William Hill to break the deadlock – and I'm also on Moult to score.
By saying that I expect both to score and that pays 10-11 at betfair which is much better than 4-9 at BetStars for over 3.5 goals. Celtic and both to score is 8-5 at William Hill.
Just to score Motherwell are 4-5 at betfair. If you believe they'll draw a blank take Celtic to win to nil at 11-8 with McBookie.
For a correct score I can see 2-1 or 3-1 Celtic at 17-2 and 19-2 respectively at McBookie.
A red card is possible and Motherwell were lucky to get away with one or two in their semi-final against Rangers. Craig Thomson has flashed nine reds this season and it's 31-10 at McBookie for him to show another.
Well forward Ryan Bowman was one who escaped and he is 5-1 at William Hill to be shown a card.
If it gets fiery four or more Motherwell cards could come in at 7-2 with William Hill
Recommended Bets
- Celtic & both to score
- Dembele to score first
- Motherwell to score
- Moult to score
- Red card in match
Celtic vs Motherwell Final Tips
I fancy Celtic to win this game however I do believe Motherwell will score and could possibly take the game to Extra Time. I can’t see Celtic losing at all and I’d be very surprised if they did. I’ve gone for Tierney First Goalscorer EW as he’s currently available at 40/1. I’ve also backed Boyata First at 25/1 and anytime at 9/1. In case it goes to Extra Time I have Celtic to win in Extra Time at 12/1. Considering they way Motherwell played against Rangers in the semi final the game is expected to be physical. Best bet for me for this fixture is for Scott Brown to be booked. He’s 7/4 with Hills but if you’re quick you’ll be able to get 10/3 with Skybet. My stake was restricted to £6.83 so I had to get my 2 friends who don’t bet very much, to place the bet for me. The maximum amount they could
Bet was £75 each so that may be the limit. £75 returns £325 so profit of £250 if it comes up and I’m fairly confident it will. Also just to make everyone aware, Betfred are offering Double Delight Hat Trick Heaven on the game.
Recommended Bets
Tierney First Goalscorer EW @ 40/1 Betfair
Boyata First Goalscorer @ 25/1 Betfred
Boyata Anytime @ 9/1 Betfair
Celtic to win in Extra Time @ 12/1 BetVictor
Scott Brown to be booked @ 10/3 Skybet
Good luck everyone
Celtic team for today
Gordon, Simunovic, Lustig, Boyata, Tierney, Forrest, Brown, Armstrong Sinclair McGregor, Dembele
Strong team Griffiths must be sick as parrot tho.
Rodgers usually favours Dembele for big games.
Motherwell @ 14/1 to win in 90 .Stan James. 25/1 Well and btts LADS. big odds for a final.
Cheers Chris, was on the brown being booked