- Head-to-head: Motherwell have lost four of the last five H2H meetings with Celtic FC (W1, D0).
- Home form: Motherwell have failed to win any of their last two home games.
- Recent form: Celtic FC have won their last five consecutive games across all competitions.
An end-to-end, open clash between two contrasting styles
Jens Berthel Askou has instilled a brave, progressive style of play upon his Motherwell side. His side are patient in possession, but their success has been built on the ability to break lines and make forward passes with tempo, coupled with a coordinated high press to win the ball back in advanced positions.
Motherwell's last three games saw a gritty 3-2 away win over Rangers sandwiched between two away defeats, including a 1-0 loss to Falkirk last week (W1, D1, L3 across the last five games in all competitions).
European spots and bragging rights are up for grabs in this one, so both sides will no doubt be throwing caution to the wind in search of a win, making an open contest a strong possibility.
Celtic will make Motherwell pay for mistakes
Tactical shift under O’Neill
Celtic FC have enjoyed a resurgence since the appointment of veteran manager Martin O’Neill, whose tactical flexibility, pragmatic approach and ability to get Celtic to play with tempo has had a huge impact. The hosts can play patient football and make the game slow-paced, but they can also play with intensity, press high up the field and counter-attack ruthlessly when they win the ball.
Recent form and head-to-head
Celtic have won each of their last five games in a row, including a 6-2 Scottish FA Cup win over St Mirren, a 3-1 home win over Falkirk and a 2-1 away victory at Hibernian. They have won both of their most recent away games, so they will not fear Motherwell, who they beat 3-1 at home eight weeks ago (W4, D0, L1 across the last five H2H’s).
Punting on Celtic is the obvious choice
Odds and prediction
Celtic come into this clash in red hot form and as a result, are the clear favorites in the match odds. Motherwell have been in inconsistent form of late and have already lost twice at Fir Park this term.
Standings and attacking threat
With 73 points from 35 games, Celtic sit second in the Premiership - Championship Round 2026, while Motherwell sit fourth with 57. With both sides likely to attack, this could be a goal fest, especially given that Celtic have conceded 24 goals in 18 away games this term (1.33 per game on average).
Tips and betting approach
For smaller stakes, we’re also going for ‘Both Teams to Score’ in the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market.
- The odds here make Celtic FC the obvious selection (2.2) with Motherwell 2.92 and the draw at 3.55.
- We’re going to take the visitors to squeak through this one, but Motherwell are a strong side at home and their pressing could make this close.
- Watch out for Daizen Maeda for Celtic FC as he’s bagged three goals in two Premiership - Championship Round 2026 games.
- The Japanese international has four goals in Celtic’s last ten and looks lethal in behind at the moment, while Motherwell’s Emmanuel Longelo has two goals in two Premiership - Championship Round 2026 games and three in his last five overall, accounting for half of Motherwell's recent goal tally.
