Celtic will not be short of backing at Fir Park on Wednesday night.
With just two games left of the season, the Hoops head to Motherwell knowing the equation is brutally simple. Win, and they give themselves the chance to take the title race to the final day against Hearts at Celtic Park.
Anything less, and the picture becomes far more complicated.
Celtic sit one point behind the Edinburgh side heading into the penultimate round of fixtures, which gives Wednesday night a proper edge. This is no ordinary midweek away game. It is one of those nights where the tension can be felt long before a ball is kicked.
Celtic have confirmed they received an away allocation of 4,574 tickets for the clash, with the full away section now sold out.
That means Martin O’Neill’s side will have a sizeable travelling support behind them as they look to keep their title hopes firmly alive. The Hoops end at Fir Park will be packed and fully aware of what is riding on the 90 minutes.
Sunday’s 3-1 win over Rangers has undoubtedly changed the script.
The bhoys were aggressive and full of purpose at Celtic Park, delivering the sort of derby performance that gave the support a badly needed surge of belief. At this stage of the season, momentum can get you over the line. That result has given Celtic some.
But it only counts if they back it up in Lanarkshire.
Motherwell have already shown this season that they are more than capable of damaging our title bid. They have beaten the Hoops already, and their campaign has been too strong for anyone to treat this as a routine away fixture.
Fir Park is rarely comfortable when there is this much at stake. Add in a sold-out away end, a title race hanging in the balance and the knowledge that victory could set up a winner-takes-it-close finale against Hearts, and Wednesday night becomes a genuine pressure test.
After initially leaving supporters frustrated by not selecting both title race fixtures for live coverage, Sky Sports have now u-turned. Celtic’s trip to Motherwell and Hearts’ match will both be shown live at the same time, giving fans the chance to switch between the two on what could be a defining night in the title race.
That at least means those without a ticket will be able to follow every twist.
For the 4,574 Celtic supporters inside Fir Park, the job is clear. Make the noise, back the team from the first whistle.
Sunday gave us all a bit more belief.
Wednesday will decide whether they get the chance to finish the job against Hearts at Celtic Park.
