Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell doesn’t think Celtic are at their most vulnerable at the moment and is expecting the ‘absolute best version’ of the Hoops on Sunday.
The manager will lead his team through the Scottish Premiership clash at Fir Park hoping to pile more misery on Celtic and seriously derail their title ambitions.
Brendan Rodgers is failing to get the best out of his first-team squad and has oversaw a disappointing two draws in the last four league games.
Performances are very much under-par too and that is in stark contrast to arch-rivals Rangers who have usurped Celtic at the top of the table and currently hold a two-point lead.
Celts have threw away an eight-point lead which they built up in October but Rangers manager Philippe Clement has managed to completely flip the title race on its head while Rodgers trudges along with his Celtic charges.
Kettlewell’s Motherwell have had success against Celtic in the past, namely two 1-1 draws at Parkhead in recent seasons and almost securing a point in the last game at Fir Park between the two sides.
There’s no doubt Kettlewell will feel he can cause Celtic more problems on Sunday, despite his side only winning two of their last eight games in all competitions [FotMob].
He recognises Celtic are a “wounded animal” at the moment but doesn’t really think are in serious jeopardy, comments that might surprise Celtic fans presently.
In addition, the Motherwell manager is preparing for Celtic to be at their absolute best and expects the version of the club that have won so many titles over the last few seasons.
Stuart Kettlewell previews Celtic encounter
Asked if he thinks Celtic are more vulnerable now than previously this season, Kettlewell responded at his pre-match press conference: “I don’t. People will suggest that and it seems to be the easy narrative they come up with.
“I don’t understand the pressures of being at Rangers or Celtic as a player or a manager but I think we can all see at the drop of a hat, that (Celtic’s form) can turn.
“I think Celtic have come out with some results in periods of time where I’ve looked at criticism of the performance. Most will tell you that if you try to win a league, you have to win games.
“I think the big story is that Rangers have found themselves behind Celtic and they’ve managed to claw themselves into a position of power, so to speak. If you win every game, you know the outcome goes.
“I think there’s an awful lot of football to be played. I think when you look at Celtic’s personnel, there’s been one or two players there who have been pivotal to their success in my opinion.
“There’s been some top performers out of late who probably make Celtic a better team and the indication seems to be at this minute in time that one or two of them will be available for this Sunday.
“So I have to expect the absolute best version of Celtic and I have to expect the version that we’ve seen for many seasons now that’s picked up plenty of silverware.”
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