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Celtic manager Ronny Deila is set to hand his fringe players a chance as the Hoops prepare to take on Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership today. |
The Hoops boss has been forced to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Steelmen following their Europa League exertions against Red Bull Salzburg in Austria on Thursday.
Midfielder Stefan Johansen is doubtful for today’s clash after picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw while winger James Forrest and defenders Mikael Lustig, Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews remain out.
However, Swedish striker John Guidetti will be available for the clash with Stuart McCall’s side after being ineligible for the Europa League.
The Glasgow giants have won both their homes games in the Premiership this season and Deila is hoping his side continue that run against Motherwell today.
“We will have a very good team on Sunday but will see how everyone is feeling,” Deila said. “You need to use your squad and that’s why we have a big squad. “It was important to get a result in Salzburg. We met a good team, there were some good performances and we just have to keep it going in the league as well.
“It’s all about attitude and motivation and being ready for every game. It is a very important game on Sunday and we’ll do everything to win.
“I have been an underdog before and I know you have nothing to lose and you can just go for it and it’s fantastic if you win.
“But it’s at Celtic Park and we will do everything to have a good performance and win the game.”
Motherwell have had a disappointing start to the season and sit in 10th position but will have been boosted by last week’s win away to Ross County. However, the Fir Park side have been defeated at Celtic Park on their past 10 visits with their last victory coming in April 2008.
Elsewhere today, Dundee host city rivals Dundee United in the first Dundee derby in the top flight since 2005.
Dundee boss Paul Hartley has starred in the Edinburgh and Old Firm derbies for Hearts and Celtic respectively, but he is eagerly awaiting his first derby as a manager.
“It is something that is new to me and a lot of our players but it is a game we are all looking forward to and it should be a cracker,” Hartley said.
“It is sold out and both teams are doing well in the league so it is one we can’t wait for.
“By all accounts, the atmosphere is special and it is one of the games you look for when the fixtures come out.
“We think we are in the best shape for a number of years. I think we have a squad on the park who can compete with the best teams.
“We have shown this season that we don’t fear anyone and we go into the game with lots of confidence.”
The Dens Park side remain the only unbeaten side in the Premiership but United head into the game joint top of the league, three points ahead of their rivals.
“A lot has been made of the fact they are unbeaten but I would rather be three points better off,” United first team coach Darren Jackson said.
“It must be a nice statistic for Dundee, especially as they have played Celtic, but it plays on your mind. Their unbeaten run has to go some time and that’s what they will be thinking.”
