Celtic looking to extend Premiership lead to four points at Fir Park

Celtic are looking to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to four points with victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.

The Hoops beat Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday in a result that saw them leap-frog their city-rivals into the top-spot with two goals from Reo Hatate and one from Liel Abada.

With the champions not kicking off until 4pm on Sunday, Postecoglou’s men have a chance to pile further pressure on by taking all three points in the early game.

Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, who both missed the Old Firm game, will be available again for Celtic for a match against a side that the manager knows will be no walk-over.

Speaking ahead of the game the Premiership manager of the month for January said: “Motherwell are a good side, they have ambitions to stay in the top half of the table so I am sure they are going to test us but that’s what we have been doing from day one.

“I think every game from now on will be a challenge for all teams. Everyone is fighting for something.

“So that’s what you are expecting every week, whether it is home or away, it is going to be tough.”

Meanwhile, Motherwell know every point for them will be vital in the race to be in the top six when the league splits in April.

The Steelmen are currently in fourth place but only four points separate them from St Mirren who are sitting at ninth.

Graham Alexander’s men are still looking for their first league win of the year after two defeats and two draws since the Premiership resumed from the winter break.

Yosuke Ideguchi still struggling with an ankle knock and Kyogo Furuhashi, David Turnbull and Albian Ajeti all missing with hamstring injuries.

Motherwell midfielder Liam Shaw drops out of the squad to face parent club Celtic under loan rules but is fit after a migraine affected his vision against St Mirren.

Barry Maguire is pushing to be involved after missing the Paisley trip with a knee injury while Graham Alexander expects his players to brush off other knocks.

Mark O’Hara and Ricki Lamie have both been on the sidelines in 2022.