Motherwell v Celtic: Bhoys to stall hosts progress once again

Scottish Football / Michael Lintorn / 04 November 2011 /

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James Forrest scored twice in the last meeting between these sides

"Motherwell's three losses have all come against their top-four companions, each in games in which they failed to score, shipping ten in the process."

Celtic head to Motherwell below them in the table, however Michael Lintorn expects them to justify their billing as odds-on favourites...

Motherwell v Celtic, Sunday 12:00 BST, ESPN, Match odds: Motherwell [6.4], Celtic [1.62], The Draw [4.2]

The fact that Motherwell enter this matchday 14 collision above their visitors owes plenty to Celtic's uninspiring form and having played a fixture fewer, but they also deserve an enormous amount of credit for a simply superb start to the campaign.

The top-half semi-regulars are averaging two points a game at present, a staggering achievement for a club outside of the Old Firm, and approach this encounter on their best run yet, having claimed 13 points from the last 15 available.

However, over the last few months, Celtic have got their kicks by puncturing the buoyant mood at Fir Park, firstly by beating them in last season's Scottish Cup Final and then by thumping them 4-0 in September to end their joint-leadership of the SPL with Rangers.

Given Motherwell's failure to sustain performance levels in the big matches - their three losses have all come against their top-four companions, each in games in which they failed to score, shipping ten in the process - you have to fancy the Bhoys' chances of wrecking the party again at [1.62].

Neil Lennon's side have won eight of their last nine against the Steelmen, six of the last seven without conceding, and though recent domestic results have been dismal, especially on the road, the midweek Europa League victory over Rennes will provide a huge boost.

It's also interesting to note that, in what seems to be a recurring theme for SPL overachievers - think Hearts and Inverness last term, St Johnstone this year - Motherwell have looked far more assured on their travels than they have at home.

Stuart McCall's stars have won three in a row away but just one in four as hosts, and on account of their poor head-to-head record and disappointing displays when facing positional rivals, the Celtic clean sheet appears overpriced at [2.3].

Best Bet: Celtic to keep a clean sheet @ [2.3]
Other Recommended Bet: Celtic to win @ [1.62]

This column's suggestions - backed to £10 stakes - have produced a £49.66 profit thus far

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