BRENDAN RODGERS had a Scottish football baptism of fire on Sunday at Tynecastle – but should find it more relaxed tonight.
Celtic overcame the award of a dodgy penalty to win late on in a fiery encounter that saw 11 players booked.
The Hoops are in Betfred Cup action with Motherwell the visitors – last time they hit the east end on the final day of the season they were hammered 7-0.
No seven up this time but if you want to sinc one consider new boy Scott Sinclair at 19-4 to score first after he netted the winner at Tynecastle.
Sinclair and Moussa Dembele should start in the absence of banned Leigh Griffiths.
Celtic are a best 1-4 with William and Betfred and 4-6 at Paddy Power to win by at least two. Motherwell are 12-1 at McBookie to cause a shock and 11-2 at bet365 to force extra time.
Aberdeen's tough schedule continues with a trip to Ayr following a Europa League exit in Maribor and opening league draw at St Johnstone.
Ayr did well in the group stage but were outclassed by Raith on their return to the Championship as they lost 2-0 at home.
Dons boss Derek McInnes didn't start Adam Rooney and Niall McGinn at the weekend and his side looked a bit short up front. With those two back the Dons should justify their odds of 4-9 at McBookie.
Rooney's the deadliest hitman at the club and back him at 10-3 with William Hill to score first if he's recalled.
St Johnstone meet Hearts at McDiarmid Park and that's the toughest to call. Hearts impressed against Celtic but Robbie Neilson is likely to make changes.
Two of the last three meetings in Perth have been draws and this could be another with both teams scoring likely at 5-6 with Stan James.
Bets to Consider
Rooney to score first
Aberdeen -1
Celtic -1
Celtic & over 2.5 goals
St Johnstone v Hearts both to score
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.
Is it true Celtic have key injuries and suspensions and are resting players v motherwell
for the upcoming games with Inter and Hapoel ?
Rodgers has said he’ll play his strongest available side but several defenders are still injured and Griffiths is banned.
Celtic fans want their team to win both cups and Rodgers knows that.
Thanks MR F.Was just checking before I get on the -1.
Hope they gonna bring up the goals to 3
Gordon
Janko
Lustig
Oconnell
Izaguirre
McGregor
Brown
Forrest
Rogic
Sinclair
Dembele