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CELTIC SQUAD NEWS – Motherwell v CELTIC
By Trialist
Just another Saturday, simply yet another ‘MUST WIN' game for Celtic, this time Motherwell v Celtic at Fir Park, kick-off 1230pm.
Celtic have three SPL matches remaining and have a five-point advantage over the Huns at the SPL summit, though “Anti-Football” FC have six League matches remaining, albeit four away from home and in a congested itinerary.
Consequently, Celtic must win all three of our remaining League matches, starting on Saturday against third-placed Motherwell at Fir Park, in order to reach a points tally of 89.
That would set the Huns the challenge of winning five out of their remaining six fixtures to surpass our points tally.
Furthermore, victory for Celtic against Motherwell on Saturday would open up an eight-point advantage over the Huns, intensifying the pressure on them for their visit to Easter Road on Sunday.
However, Motherwell will be no pushovers, as they are chasing the accolade of UEFA Cup qualification that third place in the SPL brings. Dundee United, Hibs and to a lesser extent Aberdeen are also vying for third place.
Indeed, Celtic's results against Motherwell this season have perfectly demonstrated our strengths and our weaknesses this campaign. In October, a Scott McDonald hat-trick meant Celtic pumped Mark McGhee's men 3-0 at Celtic Park, in early April they beat us 1-0 at Celtic Park (potentially a very costly reversal) and just over a week later we thrashed Motherwell 4-1 on the Fir Park beach.
To further complicate matters for Celtic, we have three players walking a suspension tightrope. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Scott McDonald and Stephen McManus are all one yellow card away from a suspension, which, if they are booked during Celtic's match with Motherwell, would kick in on the final day of the League campaign when Celtic visit Tannadice to play Dundee United.
Gordon Strachan has one injury concern – Captain Stephen McManus, who suffered a calf muscle strain during Celtic's 3-2 humping of the Huns last weekend. Should Mick fail a late fitness test, Darren O'Dea is the more than capable replacement.
Celtic squad: Boruc, M Brown, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, O'Dea, Naylor, Wilson, Caddis, Nakamura, Hartley, Scott Brown, Robson, McGeady, Donati, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Samaras and McDonald.
C'mon the Hoops.
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