Motherwell vs Celtic predictions and betting tips – Hoops have fate in own hands

May 13, 2026 - 07:15

Celtic are alive and kicking in the Scottish Premiership title race. Victories over Motherwell and Heart of Midlothian in the next few days would make Martin O’Neill’s men champions.

A final-day showdown against Hearts looms on the horizon, but Celtic must first do the business against Motherwell. Will there be another twist in the title race?

Celtic to win – 4/5 with Betway
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals – 5/6 with 247Bet
Daizen Maeda to score any time – 6/5 with Casimba

Motherwell vs Celtic head to head overview

Date: Wednesday 13th May.
Kick-off: 8pm.
Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland.
Where to watch: Not being shown live in the UK.
Referee: TBC.
VAR: Yes.
Last meeting: 14th March 2026; Celtic 3-1 Motherwell.
Last 10 matches: Motherwell – 1 win; Celtic – 7 wins; Draws – 2.
Favourite to win: Celtic.

Motherwell vs Celtic predicted lineups

Motherwell expected lineup: Ward; O’Donnell, Gordon, Welsh, Longelo; Watt, Priestman; Said, Slattery, Maswanhise; Just.
Celtic expected lineup: Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor; McCowan, Nygren, Hyun-jun; Maeda.

Motherwell vs Celtic predictions

One of Celtic’s most turbulent seasons in living memory could end in a familiar way: with the Hoops crowned champions of Scotland.

Celtic have gone through three different managers this term, one of whom – the incumbent Martin O’Neill – has had two spells in the dugout.

There was a change of chairman at the turn of the year, while the fans have regularly protested against the club’s owners.

Celtic have lost eight games in the Premiership and were beaten by St Mirren in the League Cup final.

And yet they are two wins away from finishing top of the table, and another victory away from winning the Scottish Cup (the final against Dunfermline Athletic is scheduled for May 23).

It was an excellent weekend for O’Neill’s side. First, they watched Heart of Midlothian drop two points against Motherwell on Saturday. That 1-1 draw gave Celtic the chance to close the gap at the top of the table.

Rangers stood in their way. To all intents and purposes, the Gers were already out of the title race before the Old Firm derby on Sunday. But they would have loved nothing more than to put a major dent in the hopes of their biggest rivals.

As it was, Celtic proved too strong for Rangers. A 3-1 triumph at Parkhead moved them within a point of Hearts with two rounds of fixtures remaining.

The top two will face each other on Sunday in what looks set to be a title decider. Yet if Celtic take their eye off the ball, they could throw it all away before then.

Before they turn their attention to Hearts, the Hoops must get the job done against Motherwell on Wednesday night.

Motherwell vs Celtic betting tips

Celtic continue their Scottish Premiership title bid away to Motherwell on Wednesday night.

Celtic to get job done

Hearts play host to Falkirk at the same time as Celtic’s trip to Motherwell.

Nothing can be taken for granted in Scottish football, least of all in this most chaotic of campaigns, but it would be a surprise if the league leaders did not come out on top in their midweek assignment.

That would put pressure on Celtic to take care of their own business. The Hoops know that a victory on Sunday would bring them the title provided they at least match Hearts’ result on Wednesday.

Motherwell have taken points off Rangers and Hearts of late, so this will not be an entirely straightforward evening for Celtic. But O’Neill’s side have won five games on the bounce and they should make it six at Fir Park.

Back Celtic to win at 4/5 with Betway

Celtic may need two

Hearts are obviously the overachievers of this Premiership season, but Motherwell can also be proud of their efforts in 2025/26.

With two games left to play, Motherwell have already accumulated 58 points – their most since a second-place finish in 2013/14.

Jens Berthel Askou’s team are not yet guaranteed to finish fourth, so they still have something to aim for in the final week of the campaign.

Motherwell have drawn a blank in only two of their last 17 league games, so Celtic will probably need to score twice to triumph.

Tip both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 5/6 with 247Bet

Maeda to bag again

Daizen Maeda scored a stunning overhead kick against Rangers on Sunday, having already put his side 2-1 up moments earlier.

The Japan international has not been as prolific this season as he was last, but he will be riding the crest of a wave after his exploits in the Old Firm win.

Competition from Kelechi Iheanacho, who has recently scored a handful of goals off the bench, appears to have given Maeda a push.

The 28-year-old is our pick to find the back of the net when Celtic face Motherwell.

Go for Daizen Maeda to score any time at 6/5 with Casimba

Motherwell vs Celtic latest odds

Find the latest Motherwell vs Celtic betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More Scottish Premiership League predictions

We have plenty more Scottish Premiership League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Motherwell and Celtic for betting

Manchester City have only won half of their last six games against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

Ismaila Sarr is the first Crystal Palace player to score 20 goals in all competitions since Glenn Murray struck 31 times in 2012/13.

Manchester City have kept five clean sheets in their last eight matches.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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