Bank of Scotland SPL
Sunday 21st December 2003
Fir Park
Kick Off 3.00, Live on BBC
The most testing of games for a team who are top of the league, come on the back of defeats. After our poor display against Hibs on Thursday night, Celtic will be looking to bounce back with a good performance, but more importantly, a win against Motherwell.
Fir Park is a tricky place to go to. We seen last season that Motherwell are ankle biters, who like to think they are hardmen. Most of them most probably would like to make a name for themselves. Last season' record there was a 2-1 defeat and an emphatic 4-0 victory.
Good news today is that Chris Sutton has been declared available for selection. Stan Petrov, Neil Lennon and possibly John Hartson will return to the starting eleven, which will give us a bit more desire and fight than the shambles that was Easter Road midweek.
An early goal would be nice, to settle the nerves but expect a fast a furious start from Motherwell, as their manager, Terry Butcher, will be looking to get one up on us. It's going to be a big game for Henrik Larsson, who needs to put in a good performance. Despite scoring last week, Henrik's not been his usual self recently and hopefully he can get on the scoresheet tomorrow.
As we seen against Hibs, the fans from all these clubs make a big day out of Celtic coming to town. This urges the players to give 110%, and the Celtic players need to match this. Watch out for the nine or ten schoolboys in the "Keep Cigarettes Away From The Match" stand, who are likely to bring a Union Jack and sing "Champions League - You're Having A Laugh," in a sad attempt to annoy the Hoops faithful behind the goal. Always good for a chuckle.
Motherwell currently sit fifth in the table - Celtic currently sit first. That is where we intend to stay.
Celtic-Mad Prediction: Motherwell 0-2 Celtic