Celtic vs Motherwell Betting Preview: Bhoys can bounce back

CELTIC host Motherwell on Sunday. Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his favourite fancies from the Premiership showdown.

Celtic vs Motherwell | Sunday 30th August 2020, 15:00

At first glance Celtic look mightily short at 1/7 to win this encounter.

Neil Lennon’s side are coming off a very disappointing defeat to Ferencvaros in midweek and have hardly set the world alight in the Premiership this term. The Hoops started with a 5-1 victory over Hamilton, but have since managed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock before labouring to a 1-0 victory over Dundee United.

Lennon bemoaned his sides finishing in the loss to Ferencvaros, but also raised concerns about the desire of one or two of his players. There is no doubt Celtic missed Odsonne Eduoard against the Hungarian champions as the Scottish title holders managed just a single goal despite 28 efforts on goal.

The Frenchman will also miss the game against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon and given that Lennon preferred not to play a striker in absence, it doesn’t appear to be a vote of confidence in new signing Albian Ateji.

Celtic’s opponents Motherwell are coming off a victory in Europe themselves (5-1 against Glentoran) but the Fir Park outfit are yet to win a league game this season.

While Well were probably unfortunate to lose to Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton last weekend, the fact that they have managed just two league goals in five games this season (and one of those came from new Celtic signing David Turnbull) suggests that they are unlikely to cause the Hoops too many problems.

Indeed, four of Motherwell’s league matches have seen one goal or fewer, so given Celtic’s lack of attacking options, I think goals will be at a premium.

Ultimately, I think Celtic will prevail, so like the look of the even-money SkyBet are offering on Celtic to win and Under 3.5 Goals to be scored. I wouldn’t put the more adventurous of you off from backing the 1-0 and 2-0 scorelines but I will keep it simple and ensure that I also have the 3-0 and 2-1 scorelines on my side.