🟢 Celtic vs Motherwell: Parkhead on Alert as Steelmen Arrive Unbeaten
🎙️ Pressure Builds on Brendan Rodgers as Celtic Seek Redemption in Glasgow
Celtic fans will pour into Parkhead this weekend with a mix of expectation and unease. The atmosphere might carry the usual thunder, but the feeling beneath it is more tense than triumphant. Brendan Rodgers’ side, while still in the thick of the Premiership title race, have yet to find consistency — or identity — in this stop-start season.
Unbeaten Motherwell, meanwhile, arrive in Glasgow in high spirits, boasting confidence, momentum, and organisation. While few would have predicted it at the start of the campaign, Stuart Kettlewell’s side are not just here to compete — they’re here to take points. And with Celtic’s recent wobbles, it’s not as far-fetched as it might sound.
🧠State of Play: The Rodgers Rebuild Isn’t Clicking — Yet
Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic with lofty expectations. After all, his first spell brought a historic double treble and some of the most dominant domestic football in Scottish history. But this time around, he inherited a squad in transition — and his attempts to mould it in his own image are, so far, unconvincing.
Despite sitting near the top of the table and showing flashes of quality, Celtic’s form has been frustratingly inconsistent. In Europe, the team have struggled to assert themselves. In the league, they’ve been wasteful in front of goal, leaky in moments of pressure, and unsettled in key areas, particularly midfield and attack.
The numbers tell a stark truth:
❌ 5 goal-less games in 12 fixtures
❌ Only one win in the last four across all competitions
❌ Errors from experienced players undermining control
It’s not time to panic — not yet. But failure to win convincingly this weekend could see the whispers of discontent begin to rise above the crowd noise.
🔍 The Key Concerns: A Position-by-Position Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at where things are falling short — and where changes might come.
🧤 Goalkeeper: A Growing Problem
When Kasper Schmeichel was signed in the summer, it was seen as a coup. A leader, a title-winner, a vocal presence at the back — exactly what a club like Celtic needs between the sticks.
But the reality has been different.
His performance against Braga midweek was the latest in a string of mistakes — a flapped cross here, a misjudged pass there, and an overall sense of uncertainty that’s beginning to ripple through the back four.
Critics have pointed to his lack of sharpness and increasingly erratic passing under pressure. In Rodgers’ system, which demands composure from the back, that’s a non-negotiable.
Young Viljami Sinisalo has impressed in training and in cup games, and with Ross Doohan also in the wings, there’s pressure building. Still, Rodgers seems unlikely to make a drastic change right now — but another shaky performance might force his hand sooner rather than later.
🧠Verdict: Schmeichel will likely start — but all eyes will be on him.
🛡️ Defence: Solid in Parts, Soft in Others
Celtic’s centre-back pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales has remained a source of relative consistency. Scales has grown remarkably over the past 12 months, showing maturity and strength in duels, while Carter-Vickers continues to marshal the backline with authority.
But full-back is another story.
Kieran Tierney, once the jewel of Celtic’s youth system, has returned a shadow of his former self. Whether it’s lingering fitness issues or the adjustment to Rodgers’ tactical demands, he hasn’t looked sharp.
On the other hand, Marcelo Saracchi has shown more attacking aggression and could be rewarded with a start this weekend.
At right-back, Anthony Ralston remains steady if unspectacular, while exciting youngster Colby Donovan, just 19, has made waves with his athleticism and raw potential. However, with Alistair Johnston still recovering, Ralston’s experience might just get him the nod.
🧠Verdict: Defence likely remains mostly unchanged, with Saracchi the most probable change.
⚙️ Midfield: The Conundrum at the Heart of the Team
Celtic’s midfield has become a puzzle with too many moving pieces and not enough rhythm. The blend simply hasn’t been right.
Callum McGregor, the ever-reliable captain, has looked fatigued and isolated, often forced to cover too much ground as the structure collapses around him.
Reo Hatate, one of the best midfielders in Scotland when on form, has been wildly inconsistent — switching from game-changer to passenger in a matter of days.
Benjamin Nygren, a summer signing, has yet to find his role. He looks technically sharp but seems unsure of his duties in and out of possession.
Arne Engels, one of the most expensive signings in recent years, has surprisingly been used sparingly — a decision that has left many fans puzzled.
Paulo Bernardo was given a rare start midweek but fluffed the chance.
The one who has impressed is Luke McCowan. Tenacious, dynamic, and direct, McCowan has brought much-needed urgency to an otherwise pedestrian midfield. He may finally get his chance to start from the off this weekend.
🧠Verdict: McGregor, Hatate, and McCowan could form the midfield trio in a 4-3-3, but expect Rodgers to shuffle the deck depending on how the game unfolds.
🎯 Attack: Talent Without Chemistry
On paper, Celtic’s attack should be one of the most feared in the league. But so far, it’s more promise than production.
Kelechi Iheanacho has looked sharp, unlucky not to have a few more goals to his name (not least the VAR-disallowed stunner against Braga). He’s mobile, smart, and clinical — provided the service comes.
Seb Tounekti, the breakout star from Tunisia, has quickly become a fan favourite. Electric on the ball and willing to take on defenders, he’s arguably the club’s most dangerous winger at the moment.
Daizen Maeda, normally tireless and dependable, looks drained of confidence. Pushed out to the right to accommodate Tounekti, he seems uncomfortable — and his lack of creativity in 1v1s is being exposed.
Other options like Johnny Kenny, Shin Yamada, Yang, and James Forrest have yet to make a compelling case for regular inclusion.
🧠Verdict: The front three likely remains the same — Tounekti, Iheanacho, Maeda — but Rodgers may need to be quicker with his substitutions if they struggle to click.
đź“ť Predicted Starting XI vs Motherwell
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
GK: Kasper Schmeichel
RB: Anthony Ralston
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
CB: Liam Scales
LB: Marcelo Saracchi
CM: Callum McGregor (C)
CM: Luke McCowan
CM: Reo Hatate
RW: Daizen Maeda
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
LW: Seb Tounekti
Subs Bench: Sinisalo, Tierney, Donovan, Engels, Nygren, Bernardo, Yang, Forrest, Kenny
🆚 The Opponent: Why Motherwell Are a Threat
Motherwell might not have the glitz or budget of the Glasgow giants, but Stuart Kettlewell has built a side that is tactically disciplined, physically competitive, and quietly dangerous.
They arrive at Parkhead unbeaten, with a compact shape, solid defensive structure, and enough pace on the break to worry any team.
In games like this, Celtic are often challenged by teams that sit deep, frustrate, and look to strike late — and Motherwell fit that profile perfectly. If Celtic don’t score early, the pressure could become overwhelming.
đź“Š Final Thoughts: A Test of Mentality, Not Just Ability
For Celtic, this match is not just about the three points. It’s about restoring belief. It’s about showing that this team is capable of dominating games, breaking down organised defences, and asserting control — not just in name, but in play.
If Rodgers can find the right formula, Celtic could use this game as a springboard to kickstart their season. But another flat performance, another draw, or worse — a loss — would deepen the cracks that are already showing.
This isn’t a crisis yet. But it could be the start of one if Celtic aren’t careful.