Celtic head into the Motherwell game knowing exactly what is required if they are to finish the year in the strongest possible position.
At kick-off, Celtic sit three points behind Hearts. The Hoops have played a game less, but the gap remains.
Celtic also trail on goal difference, sitting four goals worse off, with their current figure standing at 17. That margin is the barrier they must overcome.
A commanding victory in Lanarkshire now has the power to reshape the table.
A five-goal margin would bring Celtic level with Hearts on points and draw them ahead on goal difference, including goals scored and goals conceded. It would leave the title race as tight as possible heading into the new year.
It is a rare situation. Teams usually talk about goal difference much later in the season, not on the second last night of December.
For Celtic, though, this match offers a chance to close the year with momentum rather than frustration.
Fir Park is not a place that lends itself to big scorelines. Motherwell are organised and comfortable making games difficult.
They do not allow space easily, and they are used to defending leads and holding shape for long spells.
Celtic also arrive with their own questions. They are still adapting under Wilfried Nancy, and while results have improved, control has not always followed.
Conceding early goals has been an issue, and chasing games makes building a margin far harder.
Still, there is belief in this group’s ability to score. Recent matches have shown Celtic can create chances when movement is sharp.
Wide players have carried threat, and midfield runners have stepped in when space opens.
The challenge is sustaining pressure. A big win requires focus from start to finish. Celtic would need to stay sharp even if they move ahead early, resisting the temptation to rush or force the game.
The wider meaning of such a result cannot be ignored. Going top before the new year would change the tone around the club.
It would turn recent progress into something concrete and apply pressure back onto Hearts.
That said, chasing numbers can be dangerous. Wilfried Nancy has stressed the need for control and patience. Celtic must earn the right to think about margins by first winning the battle in front of them.
Motherwell will fight for every ball and look to slow the pace. Celtic will need calm decision-making and belief in their play.
If the goals come, the opportunity grows. If they do not, taking the points still matters.
This is the scale of the task. Three points behind. A gap to close. Ninety minutes to try.
If Celtic can produce something special in Lanarkshire, they will head into the new year from the top of the table.
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