Chris Sutton believes Celtic have dragged themselves back into the Premiership title race, but the former Hoops striker expects a difficult night at Fir Park against Motherwell.
Celtic arrive in Lanarkshire following Sunday’s derby win over Rangers knowing there is no room for another slip before the season finishes. Martin O’Neill’s side trail Hearts by one point with only two league matches remaining after tonight.
The atmosphere around Celtic has shifted quickly again over the last couple of weeks.
A month ago, the title looked gone after dropped points and inconsistent performances. Since then, Celtic have found late goals, stronger performances and momentum at exactly the right moment. The second half against Rangers was probably the clearest sign yet of the team starting to resemble an O’Neill side.
Still, Motherwell away remains one of the hardest fixtures left on the calendar.
Jens Berthel Askou’s team have already beaten Celtic comfortably at Fir Park this season and very few sides leave there with points. Motherwell press aggressively, move the ball quickly and are willing to leave space behind themselves rather than simply sitting deep.
That is why Sutton expects another tense night despite Celtic’s recent form.
The former striker was speaking ahead of kick-off while discussing the pressure around both ends of the title race.
He said: (Sky Sports), “But Celtic have somehow found a way to get back into this title race and they can hunt Hearts down now.
“Martin O’Neill knows how well organised and how well drilled Motherwell are, so he knows this isn’t a gimme.
“It just makes the occasion massive where Celtic, it’s in their hands but they can’t slip up.”
The physical side of the occasion could also become a factor.
Celtic poured huge energy into the derby on Sunday, especially during the second half comeback. O’Neill now needs the same intensity again only a few days later against a Motherwell side that will press from the front and try to force mistakes early.
Daizen Maeda’s form gives Celtic a huge threat going into the game.
His movement caused Rangers constant problems at the weekend and Motherwell will need to stop him getting space in behind. Yang Hyun-jun’s recent improvement has also added more unpredictability in wide areas, especially when Celtic attack quickly in transition.
The pressure tonight is obvious.
If Celtic win, the title race goes right to the final weekend. Anything else leaves Hearts with the advantage and removes control from O’Neill’s side heading into the closing days of the season.
