Motherwell vs Celtic: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Motherwell vs Celtic in the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Motherwell vs Celtic
• Date: Tuesday, 30 December 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Fir Park

Motherwell will be looking to build on their recent home win against Dundee and the solid draw against Dundee Utd. With a predicted 4-2-3-1 formation, they might focus on a strong defensive structure while relying on the attacking prowess of Callum Hendry and Ibrahim Said to exploit any gaps in Celtic's defence. The absence of several key players due to injury could impact their performance, but their recent form suggests they can still pose a threat.

Celtic, on the other hand, comes into this match with a mixed bag of results, having won their last game convincingly against Livingston. Their predicted 3-4-2-1 formation indicates a balanced approach, with the likes of Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny leading the line. Despite missing several players through injury, Celtic's recent performances show they can still be a formidable force. This match could be closely contested, with both teams having something to prove.

Match Prediction: Motherwell 1-2 Celtic

Motherwell's recent form has been a mix of solid performances and setbacks. They secured a commendable win against Dundee at home and managed a draw against Dundee Utd away, showing resilience and the ability to grind out results. However, their loss to Rangers indicates areas where they need to improve, particularly in away games. Heading into this match, Motherwell will be looking to build on their home form and carry that confidence forward.

Recent Premiership Results:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Rangers (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Dundee (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Dundee Utd (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Livingston (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Falkirk (A)

Celtic have shown flashes of brilliance in their recent outings, with a convincing win against Livingston being a highlight. They've also managed to secure victories against Aberdeen and Dundee, demonstrating their ability to bounce back from losses. However, their defeats to Dundee Utd and Heart of Midlothian suggest there are still vulnerabilities in their game. Celtic will be keen to maintain their momentum and address these issues as they face Motherwell.

Recent Premiership Results:

• Win: 4-2 vs Livingston (A)

• Win: 3-1 vs Aberdeen (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Dundee Utd (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Heart of Midlothian (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Dundee (H)

The head-to-head record between Motherwell and Celtic shows a clear dominance by Celtic, as the Hoops have won the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Celtic triumph 3-2, while Motherwell's only victory in this period was a 1-3 loss at home. This pattern suggests that Celtic have had the upper hand in recent meetings, often securing comfortable victories.

Recent Premiership Results

• Celtic 3-2 Motherwell (05 Oct 2025)

• Motherwell 1-3 Celtic (02 Feb 2025)

• Celtic 4-0 Motherwell (26 Dec 2024)

• Motherwell 0-3 Celtic (27 Oct 2024)

• Motherwell 1-3 Celtic (25 Feb 2024)

• Tawanda Maswanhise (International Duty) – Out

• Aston Oxborough (Hand) – Out

• Jordan McGhee (Thigh) – Doubt

• Eseosa Sule (Thigh) – Doubt

• Sam Nicholson (Knee) – Doubt

• Zachary Robinson (Achilles) - Doubt

• Jota (Knee) - Out

• Alistair Johnston (Hamstring) - Out

• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) - Doubt

• Callum Osmand (Hamstring) - Out

• Kelechi Iheanacho (Hamstring) - Out

• Marcelo Saracchi (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Sebastian Tounekti (International duty) - Out

• Michel Balikwisha (International duty) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Ward (GK), Koutroumbis (DF), McGinn (DF), Welsh (DF), Longelo (DF), Watt (MF), Fadinger (MF), Sparrow (MF), Just (MF), Said (MF), Hendry (AT)

Motherwell's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation suggests a focus on defensive solidity with Koutroumbis, McGinn, Welsh, and Longelo forming a robust backline. In attack, Callum Hendry and Ibrahim Said will be key, looking to exploit any openings created by the quartet of Watt, Fadinger, Sparrow, and Just.

• Predicted lineup: Sinisalo (GK), Ralston (DF), Trusty (DF), Tierney (DF), Hyun-Jun (MF), Engels (MF), McGregor (MF), McCowan (MF), Nygren (AT), Maeda (AT), Kenny (AT)

Celtic's predicted 3-4-2-1 formation indicates a balanced approach, with Ralston, Trusty, and Tierney providing a solid defensive base. The midfield, featuring Hyun-Jun, Engels, McGregor, and McCowan, will be crucial in controlling the game's tempo, while Nygren, Maeda, and Kenny will lead the charge in attack.

• Hendry vs Tierney: Callum Hendry's attacking threat will be tested by Kieran Tierney's defensive prowess.
• Fadinger vs Hyun-Jun: Lukas Fadinger's midfield control will be challenged by Yang Hyun-Jun's dynamic play.
• Just (Motherwell): Elijah Just's versatility in midfield will be crucial for Motherwell's tactical flexibility.
• Maeda (Celtic): Daizen Maeda's pace and finishing ability make him a key player for Celtic's attacking threat.

Motherwell vs Celtic at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Premier Sports 1.

Coral is predicting that the score will be Motherwell 1-2 Celtic.

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