The Celtic Star
·21 August 2024
Celtic v Motherwell – Match Preview, Team News and Where to Watch
![Article image:Celtic v Motherwell – Match Preview, Team News and Where to Watch](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=210&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Ficdn.thecelticstar.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F08%2Fhuddle_4052.jpeg)
The Celtic Star
·21 August 2024
Chloe Craig was the difference maker last time around as she converted from the penalty spot after Maria McAneny was brought down in the box. An important win on derby day but the Celts still sit in third place, with Hearts and theRangers occupying the top two spots on goal difference.
Perhaps Elena Sadiku will fancy doing something about that this evening!
The Women of Steel arrive in Airdrie off the back of two good wins, hoping that they can put the Scottish champions to the test. Despite strong results, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in either of their opening games, which is something that Elena Sadiku’s side will likely try to capitalise on.
Some players to keep an eye on in their squad are Bailley Collins and Morgan Cross. The pair have a combined four goals so far this season and are lethal if given the opportunity. We’ll have to keep them quiet or they could pop up with a chance or two for the visitors.
She said: “We got the win on Sunday and the feedback after the game is something we need to learn from. I wasn’t really happy with the performance, especially in possession. But what I did love was the quality of defending our own goal and the players did really well. So that’s something we need to take with us.
“Like I said after the game, we’re Celtic. We go into every game to win the game and that’s what we did. That’s something that the players should get credit for but we also have to learn what the situation was that I wasn’t happy with and that’s something that needs to be fixed against Motherwell.”
She continued: “Coming into this game, while we won the last game, hopefully we just got even more hungry. We’re not really happy with the performance and I know that the girls weren’t as well. That’s something that we need to bounce back from and perform better and hopefully, we get a great performance and another win with that.
“I just looked over the schedule, we have 18 days ahead of us and five games. We have a strong squad to rotate and that’s something that players and people outside where I’m looking, they look at the next game, but I need to have an overview and see what the schedule looks like and how I can make sure we can get the best out of every player and every game.”
Elena went on to speak about the fans: “There’s no secret how much I love the fans. I love the family and the togetherness we have with them. I think that’s something that I look forward to every game. Showing up, trying to do what we do best, trying to win and make our fans happy because they deserve the best. We just need to try and do it every time we show up.”
We also had a quick word with Elena shortly after the final whistle on Sunday. Watch that below…
Natalie Ross made her return from injury against Glasgow City, coming on for Colette Cavanagh in the 70th minute. The midfielder had a good performance and showed why she continues to deserve a place in the squad.
Kit Loferski is nearing a return, could she make the bench this evening?
Kit Loferski has been spotted in training, meaning that a return for her could be on the cards. Elena hinted at the press conference before the City game that we could see her sooner than we think, so keep an eye out for her name in the match-day squad. Hopefully she makes the bench this evening.
Amy Richardson and Chloe Logan likely remain out injured, but with no media conference this week, we can’t say for sure.
A shout out to Celtic goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty who made the SWPL1 team of the week after his outstanding showing in the 1-0 win over Glasgow City on Sunday.
We had a quick word with Kelsey after the match, here it is incase you missed it…
Signe Carstens spoke to The Celtic Star yesterday ahead of this evening’s game against Motherwell
Signe Carstens spoke to The Celtic Star ahead of the game. She said: “I really hope that I’m going to be able to get on the starting 11 and then get a good performance and show more of who I am as a player. “[Training has] been good. There has not been that much training because of all the games but the training we’ve been having has been good.”
Speaking on her debut: “It was amazing going out on that pitch, it was really nice. Also, the stadium is just a really nice stadium and then having the fans there made it even more special. But yeah, it was a special moment.”
Hana Kerner
And Hana Kerner also spoke to Celtic TV to preview tonight’s match….it’s great to have her back from that long term ACL injury. She’s some player by the way!
After a shambolic referee performance last game, let’s hope for better this time around…Ryan Kennedy takes the whistle for the Celtic v Motherwell clash. Steven Clark and Kieran Whalen will assist him. There’s no VAR in SWPL.
Celtic FC Women vs Motherwell kicks off at 7.20pm at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie. Gates open at 6.45pm
Tickets are still available to buy for this clash. They can be purchased HERE. Prices are £10 adults, £5 Under 16s, £13 adult & u16.
If you can’t make it, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.
I was well off the mark last time with my Celtic 3, City 2 prediction so hopefully I’m closer tonight. I’m going for Celtic FC Women 2 – 0 Motherwell although our Editor reckons it will be a 5-0 Celtic victory.
I reckon that Motherwell could put up a decent fight although I think we’ll still beat them. Our last game against them was 2-0, and they’ve even managed a draw with us at the Excelsior in January 2023 (that still hurts given the consequences of those two dropped points), so who knows!
COYGIG
Jessica Elliott
More Stories / Celtic FC Women