Despite having played Motherwell three times this season, it's been a while since Celtic have gone toe-to-toe with the Steelmen, and it's been all change for the Fir Park outfit.
Steven Hammell is gone and Stuart Kettlewell is in, and although they endured the disappointment of missing out on top six, they will still have their cause to fight for as they look to steer clear of relegation when they make the short trip to Glasgow.
Celtic meanwhile have two main aims from Saturday's fixture, with the first being to ensure there are no late blips in their charge for the title. Ange Postecoglou's men sit 12 points clear and could make it 15 by full-time before Rangers take to the Pittodrie pitch to face Aberdeen on Sunday.
READ MORE: Earliest date Celtic can win the title as Hoops take another step towards Premiership crown
There is however the matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final in just over a week's time against Rangers, and protecting the key players that will make all the difference between sealing a treble or missing out on cup once again.
It poses the question whether there will be any reshuffling in the pack, but injury concerns to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota last week forced a change in personnel.
That didn't bother the Hoops one bit as they stormed to a 4-0 lead inside 30 minutes, and he was able to leave some regular faces on the sidelines, including Reo Hatate as he nears his return from injury.
With Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata impressing once again in the absences of Carter-Vickers and Hatate, fans would probably expect the duo to take to the Parkhead pitch once again in an effort to keep the pair fit and preserved for the semi-final. However, Postecoglou has confirmed Carter-Vickers WILL return to the fold.
Matt O'Riley had an impressive weekend with two goals to put Killie in the rear view mirror, and his boost in form could earn him a start once again, while Jota missing out again could hand a further chance on the right wing to Sead Haksabanovic.
Expect the regulars to keep their spot in Joe Hart, Greg Taylor, Alistair Johnston, and Kyogo up top, as the Celts still have a job to do in securing a second successive league title, and will not be keen to disrupt the starting XI too heavily ahead of their trip to Hampden.
READ NEXT:
- Callum McGregor's rousing Celtic derby speech revealed as captain's Rangers rallying cry filmed
- Kieran Tierney Arsenal exit fear raised as Mikel Arteta fired 'you never know' warning
- Amad Diallo continues post-Rangers success as Manchester United kid earns Player of the Year shout
- Kevin Clancy avoids Celtic or Rangers clash as referee handed VAR role amid 'abuse' probe
- Chris Sutton slams 'desperate' Rangers rhetoric as he blasts 'same all the time' Celtic reaction
