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

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'll likely focus on a strong defensive structure while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities through Callum Hendry and Ibrahim Said. The absence of a key player like Jordan McGhee might affect their midfield creativity, but Elliot Watt and Tom Sparrow could step up to fill the gap.

Celtic, on the other hand, come into this match with a mixed bag of results but a strong attacking display in their last game against Livingston. Their 3-4-2-1 formation should allow them to dominate possession and create numerous scoring chances, especially with players like Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny leading the line. However, the absence of several key players due to injury might force them to rely more on their bench strength. This match could be closely contested, but Celtic's attacking prowess might just edge them through.

Match Prediction: Motherwell 1-2 Celtic

Motherwell have shown a decent run of form recently, with two wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their home form has been particularly strong, securing victories against Dundee and Livingston. This should give them confidence going into this match, although the loss against Rangers might still be lingering in their minds. Overall, they seem to be in a good position to put up a fight against Celtic.

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's recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with three wins and two losses in their last five games. They've shown they can be ruthless in attack, as seen in their 4-2 win against Livingston, but also vulnerable at times, losing to Dundee Utd and Heart of Midlothian. This inconsistency might be a concern, but their attacking flair could be the deciding factor in this upcoming match against 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 clear dominance for Celtic, who have won four of the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Celtic triumph 3-2, while Motherwell's only win in this period was a 1-0 victory. This pattern suggests that Celtic have had the upper hand in recent meetings, often scoring multiple goals against Motherwell.

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 will likely see them focus on a solid defensive structure with Koutroumbis, McGinn, Welsh, and Longelo at the back. In midfield, Watt and Fadinger will be key in breaking up play and feeding the ball to the attacking quartet of Sparrow, Just, Said, and Hendry, who will look to exploit any gaps in Celtic's defence.

• 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 should allow them to control the midfield with Ralston, Trusty, and Tierney providing a solid defensive base. The midfield quartet of Hyun-Jun, Engels, McGregor, and McCowan will be crucial in dictating the tempo and creating chances for the attacking trio of Nygren, Maeda, and Kenny, who will look to exploit their pace and finishing ability.

• Hendry vs Tierney: Callum Hendry's pace and movement will be tested against Kieran Tierney's defensive solidity.

• Longelo vs Hyun-Jun: Emmanuel Longelo's pace and strength will be crucial in containing Yang Hyun-Jun's creativity.

• Watt (Motherwell): Elliot Watt's ability to break up play and distribute the ball will be vital for Motherwell's midfield control.

• Kenny (Celtic): Johnny Kenny's finishing and movement in the box could be the difference for Celtic's attack.

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.

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

Ladbrokes is giving fans the ability to bet on various markets for Motherwell vs Celtic, including match betting, correct score and anytime scorer odds.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Premiership outright predictions, explore our guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.