67 Hail Hail writers may disagree on the exact scoreline at Fir Park, but there is now a clear feeling that Celtic’s mentality has changed after the 3-1 win over Rangers.
Motherwell remain a serious threat, especially considering Celtic are still one point behind Hearts, but confidence around Martin O’Neill’s side looks far stronger heading into one of the toughest remaining fixtures of the season.
And as Celtic prepare to face Motherwell, the writers on 67 Hail Hail all agree on one thing after watching O’Neill’s side beat Rangers last Sunday.
Do you agree with Amir’s prediction?
Let us know what you think the score will be in the comments 👇
The Rangers result has clearly changed belief around Celtic
I predicted a 3-1 Celtic win at Motherwell and made it clear the derby result has shifted momentum heading into the title run-in.
I said: “Celtic will still be buoyed after the Rangers win and will head to Fir Park with confidence. Although Motherwell will be a tough game, I just can’t see Celtic dropping points knowing that Hearts are up next for a title decider. It will be close but all three points are heading back to Parkhead.”
Martin Crawford also backed Celtic to edge the game despite calling Fir Park the toughest remaining challenge of the split.
He said: “For me, this will be our toughest game of the split given the quick turnaround and well-documented threat of Motherwell.
“Though a draw keeps us in the race to an extent determined by Hearts’ result, I think we need to win at all costs as I expect them to beat Falkirk at Tynecastle. It’s a huge task, but we’ve stepped up to the occasion so far in the run-in.”
The wider point is obvious. Celtic suddenly look like a side that believes it can handle pressure again.
Motherwell are still dangerous despite Celtic’s growing confidence
Amir Mir was the most cautious of the three writers and predicted a 2-2 draw at Fir Park.
He said: “Out of all the post-split fixtures, this was my biggest worry. Even if Celtic get a win, I just can see Motherwell causing us a number of problems. I am trying to be as balanced as possible and say 2-2 draw. If I am wrong, then I will be delighted. I will go for Engels to score Iheanacho from the bench again.”
That concern is understandable considering Motherwell already beat Celtic at Fir Park earlier this season.
Even so, the numbers still favour Celtic. They have collected 33 away points and 10 away league wins this season.
Arne Engels has also contributed 12 goal involvements this season, while Kelechi Iheanacho has added seven goals in 20 appearances.
Fir Park will still be difficult. Nobody around Celtic is pretending otherwise. The difference now is that the Rangers result appears to have replaced fear with belief at exactly the right time.
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