Motherwell vs Celtic — Match Preview
A fascinating battle awaits at Fir Park on Sunday, 28 December 2025, as 3rd-placed Motherwell host 2nd-placed Celtic. The Steelmen are the league’s defensive kings right now, unbeaten in their last five matches and incredibly having kept five consecutive clean sheets. They sit just 5 points behind Celtic and will feel this is their best chance in years to topple the champions. Celtic, meanwhile, have been in a mini-crisis, losing four games in a row across all competitions before finally stopping the rot with a 3–1 win over Aberdeen last weekend. Brendan Rodgers (or current manager) needs a win to prove the slump is truly over.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Match Info
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 19)
- Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell (Capacity: 13,677)
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kickoff: 12:00 GMT | 13:00 CET | 07:00 ET
- Referee: Kevin Clancy (SCO)
Motherwell vs Celtic — Match Stakes
Motherwell (3rd — 30 pts):
- Win → Moves to 33 pts; cuts the gap to Celtic to just 2 points.
- Draw → Extends unbeaten run to 6 games; maintains their incredible defensive record.
- Loss → Gap to 2nd place widens to 8 points; reality check after a superb run.
Celtic (2nd — 35 pts):
- Win → Moves to 38 pts; keeps pressure on the league leaders (likely Rangers or Aberdeen).
- Draw → Two points dropped; invites pressure from the chasing pack.
- Loss → Dragged into a battle for 2nd place; crisis talk returns immediately.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Team News
Motherwell:
- Defensive Wall: The backline has been impenetrable (0 goals conceded in 5 games). No changes expected in defense.
- Key attackers: Reliance will be on counter-attacks.
- Injuries: No major fresh concerns reported following the win over Dundee FC.
Celtic:
- Form Concerns: Despite the win vs Aberdeen, confidence is fragile after losses to Dundee Utd, St. Mirren, Roma, and Hearts.
- Kyogo Furuhashi: Likely to start as the main goal threat.
- Callum McGregor: The captain’s leadership is vital in this hostile environment.
- Rotation: Some rotation possible due to the festive fixture congestion.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Motherwell (Defensive Masterclass)
- 20/12 — 1–0 vs Dundee FC (Premiership)
- 13/12 — 0–0 vs Dundee Utd (Premiership)
- 06/12 — 3–0 vs Livingston (Premiership)
- 04/12 — 0–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 29/11 — 0–0 vs Hearts (Premiership)
Celtic (Inconsistent)
- 21/12 — 3–1 vs Aberdeen (Premiership)
- 18/12 — 1–2 vs Dundee Utd (Premiership)
- 14/12 — 1–3 vs St. Mirren (League Cup)
- 12/12 — 0–3 vs AS Roma (Europa League)
- 07/12 — 1–2 vs Hearts (Premiership)
Motherwell vs Celtic — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 05/10/2025 — Celtic 3–2 Motherwell
- 02/02/2025 — Motherwell 1–3 Celtic
- 26/12/2024 — Celtic 4–0 Motherwell
- 27/10/2024 — Motherwell 0–3 Celtic
- 25/02/2024 — Motherwell 1–3 Celtic
Motherwell vs Celtic — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Motherwell (5-3-2)
Oxborough; O’Donnell, Casey, Gordon, McGinn, Wilson; Miller, Halliday, Zdravkovski; Robinson, Ebiye
Celtic (4-3-3)
Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda
Motherwell vs Celtic — Impact Bench
Motherwell: Sparrow (Midfield energy), Watt (Experience)
Celtic: Idah (Physical option), Forrest (Veteran winger)
Motherwell vs Celtic — Tactical Analysis
Motherwell
Stuart Kettlewell has built a fortress. Five consecutive clean sheets is remarkable. They will set up in a disciplined low block, inviting Celtic to break them down. Their game plan is simple: frustrate Celtic for 60 minutes, rely on the crowd, and nick a goal from a set-piece or counter-attack.
Celtic
Celtic will dominate possession (likely 70%+), but their issue has been turning possession into goals against deep defenses, combined with defensive lapses at the other end. They conceded 11 goals in the 4 games prior to the Aberdeen win. They must move the ball quickly to disrupt Motherwell’s shape. If they concede first, panic could set in given their recent form.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Key Battles
- Kyogo vs Paul McGinn — Elusive movement vs disciplined marking.
- McGregor vs Miller — Battle for the midfield engine room.
- Maeda vs O’Donnell — Pace on the wing vs experienced full-back.
- Schmeichel vs Set-Pieces — Celtic’s weakness vs Motherwell’s strength.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Spotlight Players
Motherwell — The Entire Defense
It’s hard to pick one. The collective unit has not conceded a goal since November. If they keep a 6th clean sheet against Celtic, it would be the result of the season.
Celtic — Nicolas Kuhn
With teams sitting deep, Kuhn’s ability to dribble past players and create chaos is essential. He was key against Aberdeen and needs to replicate that form here.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Prediction
Motherwell 1–1 Celtic
Celtic have a dominant H2H record (winning the last 5), but Motherwell’s current defensive form is too good to ignore. The Steelmen are immovable objects right now. Celtic are still fragile despite their last win. A gritty draw at Fir Park seems a very likely outcome.
Motherwell vs Celtic — Betting Insights
- Under 2.5 Goals — High Value (Motherwell don’t concede).
- Motherwell +1.5 Handicap — Safe Bet.
- Both Teams to Score — NO (or very tight).
Motherwell vs Celtic — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- International: Celtic TV / Motherwell TV (Outside UK/Ire)
Motherwell vs Celtic — FAQs
Q: When is the Motherwell vs Celtic match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
Q: Has Motherwell conceded a goal recently?
A: No. They have kept 5 clean sheets in a row coming into this match.
Q: Who is the referee?
A: Kevin Clancy will officiate the match.
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