Bhoys expected to bounce back from Paris humbling

Betfred Cup final
BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Celtic took the mother of all hidings from Paris Saint-Germain this week, but they look likely to bounce back in the best possible way and scupper Motherwell’s Betfred Cup dreams.

Brendan Rodgers experienced that rarest of phenomenona since his arrival in Scotland – mild criticism – after his Hoops side shipped seven goals for the second season in a row in the Champions League.

With most teams, it could take some time to recover from such an utter bleaching like the one handed out by PSG, but all that annihilation is likely to do is make Celtic even more determined to win Sunday’s cup final and make it 65 domestic undefeated games in a row.

Motherwell are probably the most improved side in the Ladbrokes Premiership this season and they proved they won’t freeze on the big stage when they beat Rangers at Hampden Park.

And of course, with the league’s top scorer Louis Moult, they have a great chance of scoring, but it may not be enough.

They are bound to be physical – manager Stephen Robinson has made no secret of that. That was the key to defeating Rangers, with the Ibrox side complaining bitterly about Ryan Bowman’s challenges.

Read our Kilmarnock v Aberdeen preview

Every aerial duel will be met with howls of protest and card-happy referee Craig Thomson may add to his total of nine red cards in just 17 games this season.

Recommendations
Celtic to win and both teams to score
1pt 8-5 bet365, Hills, Betfair
Red card in match
1pt 7-2 Sky Bet

Bet on this match at soccerbase.com

Match facts

Team news
Motherwell The Well have a clean bill of health with no reported injury problems.

Celtic Mikael Lustig and Nir Bitton will have fitness tests after midweek knocks picked up against PSG.

Key stat
Motherwell have failed to score twice in only 20 league and cup games this season

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport