The rivalry between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC is one of the most exciting fixtures in Scottish football, with the two teams often playing a highly competitive brand of football. As both clubs prepare for their next encounter, fans are eagerly anticipating the lineups, key tactical decisions, and which players will shine on the day. In this article, we will break down the predicted lineups for both teams, analyze their playing styles, and discuss the key players to watch. Whether you’re a Motherwell supporter or a Celtic fan, or just someone curious about Scottish football, this guide has everything you need to know.
Overview of the Match: Motherwell vs Celtic FC
Motherwell FC: Aiming for Stability and Success
Motherwell FC has been one of the most consistent teams in the Scottish Premiership over the years. They may not always be in the spotlight like the Old Firm giants (Celtic and Rangers), but they have consistently punched above their weight, securing mid-table finishes and qualifying for European competitions on occasion. Under manager Stuart Kettlewell, Motherwell has focused on building a team that is hard to beat, with a strong work ethic, solid defense, and counter-attacking style.
While Motherwell may not have the same depth of talent as Celtic, they do have several key players capable of making an impact. Players like Kevin van Veen, Shane Blaney, and Joe Efford are important figures in the team’s attack, while the midfield pairing of Callum Slattery and Sondre Solholm Johansen provide a mix of creativity and defensive discipline.
Celtic FC: The Dominant Force in Scottish Football
Celtic FC is arguably the most successful and popular club in Scotland, boasting an incredible history and a huge fanbase. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic has been on a mission to return to the top of Scottish football, and their attacking football, combined with solid defensive organization, has made them one of the most formidable teams in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic’s dominance is often reflected in their squad depth, where even their backup players are of high quality.
Key players for Celtic include Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Jota, and Cameron Carter-Vickers. With such a strong squad, Celtic will be looking to maintain their position as the premier team in Scottish football, and a win against Motherwell would be another step toward another successful season.
Predicted Lineups for Motherwell FC vs Celtic FC
Motherwell FC Predicted Lineup
Motherwell’s manager, Stuart Kettlewell, is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation to ensure a solid defensive setup while also providing a threat on the counter-attack. Motherwell will look to remain compact, absorb pressure, and exploit any spaces left by Celtic’s attacking players. Kettlewell has preferred a direct style of football this season, aiming to create chances for their frontmen in transition.
Predicted Starting XI for Motherwell:
Goalkeeper: Liam Kelly
Right-back: Stephen O’Donnell
Center-backs: Shane Blaney, Bevis Mugabi
Left-back: Jonathan Obika
Midfield: Callum Slattery, Sondre Solholm Johansen, Dean Cornelius
Attacking Midfield: Jordan Roberts
Right-wing: Joe Efford
Left-wing: Ewan Henderson
Striker: Kevin van Veen
Celtic FC Predicted Lineup
Celtic under Brendan Rodgers is likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to dominate possession, control the tempo, and attack with pace and creativity. With Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line, Celtic will look to play a high-pressing game, while Reo Hatate and Jota will be key in providing creativity in the final third. The defensive partnership between Cameron Carter-Vickers and Karl Starfelt should provide stability at the back, and with Joe Hart in goal, Celtic will have a solid foundation from which to build their attacks.
Predicted Starting XI for Celtic:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Right-back: Alistair Johnston
Center-backs: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Karl Starfelt
Left-back: Greg Taylor
Midfield: Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley
Right-wing: Jota
Left-wing: Liel Abada
Striker: Kyogo Furuhashi
Key Players to Watch
For Motherwell FC:
Kevin van Veen (Striker): The Dutch forward is one of Motherwell’s main goal-scoring threats. His physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing make him a constant danger in the penalty area. Van Veen is often involved in build-up play, and if Motherwell are to get a result, his movement off the ball will be crucial.
Liam Kelly (Goalkeeper): Kelly has been in outstanding form this season, and his shot-stopping ability will be key in keeping Celtic at bay. With Celtic likely to have plenty of possession, Kelly’s ability to organize his defense and make crucial saves will be important.
Callum Slattery (Midfielder): The midfield will be pivotal in this match, and Callum Slattery will be one of the key figures in breaking up Celtic’s attacking moves and distributing the ball effectively. His ability to control the tempo of the game will be vital for Motherwell.
For Celtic FC:
Kyogo Furuhashi (Striker): The Japanese forward has been in sensational form for Celtic, scoring goals with both feet and his head. His movement, pace, and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the Scottish Premiership. Furuhashi’s ability to find space in the box will be key to Celtic’s success.
Jota (Winger): Jota has been one of the standout performers for Celtic this season. His flair, dribbling, and ability to pick out key passes make him a constant threat on the left wing. Expect Jota to be involved in most of Celtic’s attacking moves and to create opportunities for Kyogo and others.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Defender): The American defender is a rock at the back for Celtic. His leadership, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game make him a key figure in Celtic’s defense. Against a physical striker like Kevin van Veen, Carter-Vickers will need to be at his best.
Tactical Preview: How Will Both Teams Approach the Game?
Motherwell’s Tactical Approach
Motherwell is likely to adopt a defensive strategy, focusing on keeping their shape and frustrating Celtic’s attacking players. With Celtic expected to dominate possession, Motherwell will aim to remain compact, limit the spaces in their own half, and break quickly on the counter-attack. Joe Efford and Ewan Henderson will be key outlets for transition play, looking to exploit any gaps left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs. If they can get Kevin van Veen into goal-scoring positions, Motherwell will look to capitalize on set pieces and quick counter-attacks.
Celtic’s Tactical Approach
Celtic will look to control possession, pressing high and trying to suffocate Motherwell’s buildup play. Kyogo Furuhashi will lead the line, constantly making runs behind Motherwell’s defense, while Jota and Liel Abada will look to stretch the defensive lines and create width. The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley will provide creativity, with McGregor anchoring the midfield, while Hatate and O’Riley provide forward thrust. Defensively, Celtic will aim to press high, win the ball back quickly, and prevent Motherwell from gaining any momentum.
FAQs
What are the predicted lineups for Motherwell FC vs Celtic FC?
Motherwell FC Predicted Lineup:
Under manager Stuart Kettlewell, Motherwell is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. The team will aim to be solid at the back, with a compact defensive shape, and look to break quickly on the counter-attack.
Goalkeeper: Liam Kelly
Right-back: Stephen O’Donnell
Center-backs: Shane Blaney, Bevis Mugabi
Left-back: Jonathan Obika
Midfield: Callum Slattery, Sondre Solholm Johansen, Dean Cornelius
Attacking Midfield: Jordan Roberts
Right-wing: Joe Efford
Left-wing: Ewan Henderson
Striker: Kevin van Veen
Celtic FC Predicted Lineup:
Manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to go with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a high pressing game and dominating possession. Celtic will look to control the tempo of the match and create scoring opportunities through their attacking players.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Right-back: Alistair Johnston
Center-backs: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Karl Starfelt
Left-back: Greg Taylor
Midfield: Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley
Right-wing: Jota
Left-wing: Liel Abada
Striker: Kyogo Furuhashi
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Kevin van Veen (Motherwell FC): The Dutch striker has been in excellent form and is Motherwell’s main goal-scoring threat. His ability to hold the ball, bring others into play, and finish clinical chances will be crucial for Motherwell.
Liam Kelly (Motherwell FC): As one of the top goalkeepers in the league, Kelly will play a key role in keeping Celtic at bay. His shot-stopping ability and leadership at the back are vital for Motherwell’s defensive strategy.
Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic FC): The Japanese striker has been in phenomenal form for Celtic, scoring goals at a regular pace. His speed, positioning, and clinical finishing will be central to Celtic’s attack.
Jota (Celtic FC): Jota’s flair, dribbling, and creativity make him one of the most dangerous wide players in the Premiership. His ability to cut inside and deliver key crosses will be critical for Celtic’s attacking play.
What tactical approach will Motherwell take against Celtic FC?
Motherwell is expected to play a defensive and counter-attacking style. With Celtic likely to dominate possession, Motherwell will look to remain compact defensively, denying Celtic space in the final third. They will look to break quickly using the pace of Joe Efford and Ewan Henderson, with Kevin van Veen as the focal point in attack. Set pieces will also be crucial, as Motherwell looks to capitalize on any Celtic mistakes.
What formation will Celtic FC play?
Celtic is expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on high pressing and possession-based football. The team will look to control the game through midfield, with Callum McGregor anchoring the midfield and both Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley providing creativity and movement. Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi will lead the line, supported by Jota and Liel Abada on the wings.
Are there any injury concerns for either team?
Currently, Motherwell is relatively injury-free, with no major absentees for the match. However, players like Dean Cornelius and Jordan Roberts have had some fitness concerns, but both are expected to feature if fit.
For Celtic, there have been no significant injury concerns leading up to the match. However, Liel Abada and Matt O’Riley have had some minor fitness issues, but both players are likely to start, barring any last-minute setbacks.
In Summary
The Motherwell vs Celtic clash promises to be an intriguing encounter, with contrasting styles and ambitions. Celtic, with their possession-based approach and attacking threat from players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, will look to control the game and secure a comfortable win. On the other hand, Motherwell will look to frustrate Celtic with a solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks, led by their key players Kevin van Veen and Liam Kelly.
The lineups for both teams suggest that Celtic will dominate possession, while Motherwell will aim to play on the counter. Celtic’s depth of quality in attack and midfield should give them the edge, but Motherwell’s ability to be resilient and take advantage of set-pieces could keep the match competitive.
Ultimately, Celtic will be the favorites going into the match, but Motherwell’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking strategy could lead to an exciting and unpredictable encounter. Whether you’re watching the game for the tactical battle or simply supporting your team, it’s sure to be a thrilling match. Keep an eye on the lineups for any last-minute changes, and get ready for a Scottish football spectacle!
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