DOUGIE IMRIE scored a famous winner when Morton shocked Celtic back in 2013 and will be hoping to upset the odds again when he takes the Greenock side to Parkhead in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
It was a massive surprise when Imrie's extra-time penalty knocked the Hoops out of the League Cup but it would be an even bigger shock if the Championship side can now halt the Ange Postecoglou juggernaut.
Despite not being at their best in midweek, Celtic still managed to batter St Mirren 4-0 as they made it 17 domestic games without defeat. Sixteen of those games have ended in victories and Hoops fans are dreaming of a treble with their side nine points clear in the SPFL Premiership and facing a League Cup Final with bitter rivals Rangers.
Postecoglou missed out on the Scottish Cup last term as his side lost to Gers in the semi-finals and will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy come May.
Morton present the first hurdle on the road to Hampden and Imrie will be hoping the glamour cup tie can spark his side back to life after five games without a win.
The Cappielow side had won seven out of nine before that to storm into title contention, with Imrie moulding a side in his image. However, he will need them to put in the performance of their lives to stand a chance against Celtic at Parkhead.
How the bookies view it
Morton haven't been given a prayer by the bookies with Imrie's side 75/1 at Betfair for a win inside 90 minutes and 25/1 at McBookie to go through. The Hoops are just 1/250 with the same firm to reach the fourth round while their best price for a win in 90 minutes is 1/18 at Coral. The full-time draw pays 15/1 with Betfair.
Head to head
Celtic have faced Morton twice since that shock League Cup loss and strolled to successive 3-0 victories. Both those matches came in the Scottish Cup, with Moussa Dembele scoring twice in the quarter-finals back in 2018 when Morton last came calling.
Players to watch
Backing Jota for an assist paid off for me in midweek but the Portuguese winger could be rested for this one as Postecoglou has been rotating pretty regularly this season. David Turnbull should get a start in midfield after scoring a screamer off the bench against St Mirren. The midfielder has been used pretty sparingly this season but is a big goal threat and looks overpriced at 14/5 (William Hill) for anytime scorer.
Robbie Muirhead has underachieved in his career after looking like a hot prospect as a kid. He has the talent to hurt Celtic and is 8/1 at SkyBet to score his 10th goal of the season.
Anything else catch the eye?
I'd imagine Morton will sit pretty deep and try to frustrate Postecoglou's side. That makes corners a good option so I'm dipping into that market again after missing out by just one set-piece in midweek bet. Bet365 are only offering the Hoops at -6 in the handicap, which pays 5/6, but backing over five first-half corners pays evens with the same firm.
Morton could try to put the boot in as they bid to knock Celtic off their stride. Defender Lewis Strapp has picked up five yellows this season and is 10/3 with Bet365 to collect another card at Parkhead.
This Scottish Cup match between Celtic and Greenock Morton will be played on Jan 21, 2023 and kick off at 12:15. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Greenock Morton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
