It feels like forever since we last saw Celtic in the SPFL, but with Scottish Cup action last weekend and no European football to speak of that feeling is understandable.
Don’t fret though, as we are here with you on Saturday for another exciting edition of can Celtic remain unbeaten?!
Last time out it was a 6-0 thrashing of Inverness in the Scottish Cup, today it another bottom feeder in the Scottish Premiership — Motherwell.
Motherwell come to Celtic Park looking to do what no team in Scottish football could all season long — beat or draw the Bhoys at Paradise.
The Starting XI’s are in and it promises to be an interesting clash between top-of-the-table Celtic and 9th place Motherwell. The Steelman need points, as they sit just three points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
Celtic will be motivated by keeping its domestic unbeaten run alive. How will the teams set up for this Scottish Premiership clash?
Celtic Starting XI:
📋 Celtic team to face @MotherwellFC. #SPFL #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/OSFLHV2RDv
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 18, 2017
Motherwell Starting XI:
Here is the Motherwell starting 11 for this afternoon's game against Celtic #CFCvMFC pic.twitter.com/lXC7auw7jr
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) February 18, 2017
Analysis:
This is what we’ve come to expect from Celtic this season — some rotation amongst the center backs and a strong overall Starting XI. Not much is changed from the last time the Bhoys went out on the pitch.
The rotation at the back four comes as Eric Sviatchenko sees the bench in favor of Jozo Simunovic alongside in-form Dedryck Boyata.
Otherwise Celtic’s squad is exactly the same as it was last weekend. Young Liam Henderson played himself in to a roll on this squad and with Stuart Armstrong still on the mend (but in the side today), Henderson will look to keep his place as at least a used substitute off the bench.
There’s still no Leigh Griffiths in the Starting XI or on the bench, but manager Brendan Rodgers did make it known that Griffiths was finally back training with the squad and should be ready sooner than later.
About the only question is if Moussa Dembele’s incredible goal-scoring form can continue with a return to league action. It might be a bit much to ask, considering it has been back-to-back matches with hat tricks for the young striker.
However, with this lineup and how poorly Motherwell have performed defensively this season it may not be out of the asking.
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What may be most interesting is to see how Rodgers handles his substitutions. Watch for Armstrong to get at least 20 minutes and for Mackay-Steven to be inserted in to the match should things be going well.