Celtic head into this clash after a trophy-laden 2024–25 season, in which they claimed both the Scottish Premiership and League Cup. Brendan Rodgers began the new campaign eager to replicate that success, but the build-up to this season was far from smooth.
A frustrating summer transfer window saw both the manager and supporters urge the board to increase investment, and those concerns have continued to linger in the early months of the season.
Although Celtic went unbeaten in normal time through their opening 11 fixtures, their Champions League playoff defeat to Kairat Almaty reignited discontent among fans. Protests over the club’s management soon followed, though these were paused after the board agreed to meet with supporter groups.
Celtic’s European struggles have persisted, as they opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade before falling 2-0 to Braga. Domestically, however, they remain solid—unbeaten in league play with four wins and two draws, as well as two League Cup victories that secured a semi-final berth.
Currently sitting second in the Premiership, two points behind Hearts, the Hoops will look to respond to their European defeat by returning to winning ways against a confident Motherwell side.
Under new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Motherwell have also started strongly, going unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions with six wins and six draws. The Steelmen have advanced to the League Cup semi-finals, where they’ll meet St Mirren, and sit fourth in the Premiership standings.
After drawing their first five league games, Motherwell finally recorded their first win of the campaign with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, sealed by two stoppage-time goals. They now aim to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and their first triumph over Celtic since December 2015.
Celtic will be without Alistair Johnston (hamstring) and Jota (cruciate ligament), while Kelechi Iheanacho—whose goal against Braga was controversially ruled out by VAR—is expected to lead the attack once again.
Motherwell remain without Filip Stuparevic (cruciate ligament), Sam Nicholson (knee), Tom Sparrow (undisclosed), and Zach Robinson (Achilles). Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, who impressed against Aberdeen with a goal and assist, should spearhead the attack, supported by Tawanda Maswanhise, Ibrahim Said, and Detlef Esapa Osong.
Celtic possible lineup:
Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Saracchi; Nygren, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti
Motherwell possible lineup:
Ward; O’Donnell, Gordon, Welsh, Longelo; Fadinger, Watt; Maswanhise, Said, Osong; Stamatelopoulos
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