CELTIC will set out to tighten their stranglehold on top spot in the Scottish Premiership when they face Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday night.
Ange Postecoglou's side saw off Dundee United via a late scare at Parkhead on Saturday to make it six wins on the spin in the Scottish top-flight.
That latest victory coupled with Rangers' subsequent setback at St Johnstone means that the Hoops have surged into a seven point lead at the summit of the standings.
After making light work of Motherwell in the League Cup at this venue just three weeks ago, Celtic will look to repeat the trick when they return to North Lanarkshire this midweek.
The honeymoon period certainly appears to be over for Well boss Steven Hammell who's side failed to make the most of their numerical advantage in a 3-2 loss at Hearts on Sunday, in a game which brought up my Tynecastle tip.
That means the ninth-placed Steelmen have lost four of their last five league games and it would be fair to say a midweek visit from the reigning champions may not necessarily provide the hosts with much respite.
Outright Betting
Motherwell have fallen to defeat in each of their last 14 meetings with Celtic and the bookies' odds fully expect that trend to continue, with a home win trading at 10/1 (Bet 365) while a point apiece has been priced up at 5/1 (PaddyPower).
Celtic, who have already beaten Motherwell twice this season, are short-priced 3/10 (SBK) favourites for the win on Wednesday night.
Betting Angles
Celtic are too short to side with at the aforementioned quote so I'll head to the Bet Builder market and merge Celtic to Win, Over One Celtic Goal and Over One Motherwell Card at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Ange Postecoglou's side are in possession of an almost perfect record in the Scottish Premiership this season, having triumphed in 12 of their opening 13 top-flight tussles this term so far.
What's more, the Hoops have scored at least two goals in all but one of those outings, which doesn't bode well for a Motherwell team that have lost each of their last three home games.
It's also worth pointing out that Steven Hammell's hosts have conceded two or more goals in a league-high eight of their 14 Scottish Premiership matches this season so far.
As such, I'm more than happy to back the Parkhead side to prevail and to score a couple of goals in the process, but to boost the odds, I'll also back referee Willie Collum – who is averaging 4.67 cards per 90 – to show the Steelmeen at least two cards.
Motherwell have averaged 2.17 cards per-game in the Scottish Premiership this season, with the Lanarkshire outfit picking up at least two bookings in eight of their last nine league games.
Furthermore, free-scoring Celtic have drawn a minimum of two bookings from their opponents in 11 of their opening 13 league games of the season.
With all this in mind, coupled with the fact that the above-mentioned combination clicked in each of the previous two meetings between the pair this season, supporting the same formula at Fir Park is the play at 4/5 (Bet 365).
This Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic will be played on Nov 9, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Motherwell vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
