Motherwell v Celtic
Wednesday, December 5, KO 7.45pm. Live on BT Sport 2
Celtic are riding the crest of a wave after winning a seventh successive trophy on Sunday.
Following back-to-back trebles Brendan Rodgers' side beat Aberdeen 1-0 to lift the Betfred Cup.
Rodgers is on a remarkable run but there will be no complacency. Hours before his men raised the trophy Rangers moved above them to top the table for the first time in seven years.
Okay, so Celtic have played a match fewer but Rodgers will know it's game on with Steven Gerrard having transformed the Ibrox side.
On Wednesday Gers welcome old foes Aberdeen while Celtic visit Motherwell in the middle of a hectic spell. Killie travel to Celtic Park on Saturday and the the Hoops host Red Bull Salzburg needing a point to reach the Europa League knockout stages.
So there is a chance Rodgers will make some changes with skipper Scott Brown a possible starter after recovering from injury. He and Olivier Ntcham were second-half subs at Hampden on Sunday and the Frenchman could also be handed a role.
Leigh Griffiths is another waiting in the wings while Dedryck Boyata is a doubt after being subbed in the Final but Craig Gordon will return for League Cup keeper Scott Bain.
Celtic showed a bit of tiredness against the Dons and the likes of James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney have played a lot of games recently.
Motherwell, who have lost No.1 keeper Trevor Carson for the season, have been more miss than hit but did beat Aberdeen 3-0 in their last Fir Park outing before a poor show at Livingston on Saturday.
Celtic should win but 7-25 at 888sport isn't a great price. If Brown starts consider Celtic and under 2.5 goals at 11-4. With him in the team the Bhoys are more resolute but less exhilarating.
I'd like to see teams before betting on a first scorer but Tom Rogic must be due one. He was close several times on his comeback against Rosenborg and hit the post at 0-0 in the Final. He is 23-4 at 888sport.
Recommended Bets
- Celtic & under 2.5 goals (11-4, 888sport)
- Rogic to score first (23-4, 888sport)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
