Celtic’s match against Motherwell is a winnable fixture on paper.
Brendan Rodgers has never lost against the Lanarkshire side – in fact, December could mark a decade since their last victory against the Hoops.
But this game has crucial context. Celtic have already failed to score on five occasions this season, and sit behind Hearts in the Premiership table.
And under new boss Jens Askou, Motherwell are flying. Unbeaten since his arrival, they have received widespread praise for their brand of football.
They will likely see their match against Celtic as a free hit – and one familiar face has revealed what the ‘Well boss told him about his gameplan for the match.
Simon Ferry on what Jens Askou told him about Motherwell’s Celtic gameplan
The Steelmen were unlucky not to get a win against Russell Martin’s Rangers on the opening day, peppering their goal as they earned a draw.
Coming to Celtic Park will be a different test for them – but Simon Ferry has big expectations.
Speaking on Open Goal, Ferry revealed his conversation with Askou in their win against Aberdeen last weekend.
He said: “It’s going to be the game of the weekend. I said to him, ‘you’re playing Celtic, can you talk us through what you’re going to do?’ and I’m buzzing.
“He knows how Celtic are going to press, and he knows how to play out of that press. He knows how they play out, and he knows what he’s going to do to get that. It’s brilliant.
“He knows two or three things that they’re going to do.”
Asked if he fancies Motherwell to win, Ferry said: “I do. I’m going to say it. He’s my guy.
“What I love about him is that he’s got no fear. So many other managers in Scotland fear, they’ve got an inferiority complex. He doesn’t have it.”
Will Motherwell’s game plan suit Celtic?
Celtic have typically struggled to break teams down this season – so a game where they have more space could be an ideal situation for them.
The Steelmen have outscored the Hoops in the league this season, but they’ve conceded 7 at the other end. Their games tend to be entertaining.
Braga showed that playing out from the back can work at Celtic Park, despite Rodgers usually setting his team up to press well.
But there’s no doubt that Motherwell trying it would be a bigger risk. We’ll see how their plan works.
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