COMMENT

Celtic take on Motherwell in this weekend's Betfred Cup Final in what looks to be a very intriguing game.

Celtic, whilst on a 64 match domestic unbeaten run, are recovering from a chastening 7-1 defeat to PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

By contrast, Motherwell have had a free week to get their preparations for the game just right.

The Steelmen will certainly not fear playing Celtic, as in the previous two rounds of the competition they knocked out Aberdeen and Rangers to reach the final.

Celtic overcame Hibs in a thrilling semi-final to reach the year's first cup final.

To add to the cup final excitement, the game is the first of three in six days between Celtic and Motherwell in the week ahead.

The team that Brendan Rodgers is expected to pick for the game will be fascinating and this is who Football Insider expects to start.

Click below to see the players expected to be at the back for Celtic...

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Goalkeeper and defenders

Craig Gordon (Goalkeeper) - Wasn't at his best against PSG but is still expected to get the nod over Dorus de Vries as Brendan Rodgers is a big fan.

Kieran Tierney (Left-back) - Will be expected to get forward to add to Celtic's attacking threats, will also have to put in a shift defensively as well.

Jozo Simunovic (Centre-back) - Returned from injury against PSG, still the best of Celtic's central defenders which is why he will be a certainty to start this game and deal with the threat of Louis Moult.

Dedryck Boyata (Centre-back) - The best partner for Simunovic, like everyone else he had a poor game against PSG but will be expected to step it up against the Steelmen.

Cristian Gamboa (Right-back) - Will come in from the cold to replace the injured Mikael Lustig – a big game for a player who hasn't featured since Celtic lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich last month.

Click below to see the men in the middle of the park for Celtic... 

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Midfielders

Scott Brown (Central midfield) - The Celtic captain will be expected to dictate play from the middle of the park and also give protection to the central defence.

Olivier Ntcham (Central midfield) - Will provide support to Brown, can play further forward than the captain and is able to score goals but will mostly be used in a holding role.

Stuart Armstrong (Attacking midfielder) - His main role will be getting forward to support the three men up-front, is more than capable of chipping in with an important goal.

Click below to see the players expected to be up-front for the Bhoys...

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Forwards

James Forrest (Left-wing) - Gets the nod ahead of 20-year-old Patrick Roberts, has the ability to cause the Motherwell defence all kinds of trouble, has added goal scoring to his repertoire this season too.

Scott Sinclair (Right-wing) - Scotland's reigning player of the year was dropped against PSG, he will be playing with a point to prove that he deserves to start all of Celtic's big games.

Moussa Dembele (Striker) - Showed that he is back to his best with that goal after 57 seconds against PSG, he has the ability to win the game practically on his own if need be.

In other Celtic team news, Davie Hay has suggested that Jozo Simunovic should not have started against PSG

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