MX23RW : Thursday, February 9 20:01:44| >> :60:583:583:
[monks data]
Jan 29, 2023 at 4pm UK at Tannadice Park
Dundee Utd
0 - 2
Celtic

Freeman (51'), McGrath (84')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Jota (51'), Mooy (56' pen.)

Preview: Dundee United vs. Celtic - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash between Dundee United and Celtic, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Celtic will be looking to strengthen their hold of top spot in the Scottish Premiership standings when they face Dundee United on Sunday.

At a time when the visitors are nine points clear of nearest rivals Rangers, the home side are only outside of the bottom two on goal difference.


Match preview

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates after the match on January 14, 2023© Reuters

When Scottish football resumed after the World Cup, Celtic were not at their best, only prevailing by one-goal margins in their opening two games and then needing to battle their way to a 2-2 draw with Rangers.

However, in their four matches since the Old Firm derby, all of which have taken place at their home ground, Celtic have scored 13 goals without reply.

Although they have faced no team higher than seventh-placed St Mirren, Ange Postecoglou can only have been left impressed by the improvements made by his team.

In total, the Bhoys are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and a 15-match run when only including fixtures in the top flight.

On Sunday, they also return to Tannadice for the first time since they thrashed their hosts by a 9-0 scoreline at the end of August.

Two days later, Liam Fox was promoted to the role of head coach after the sacking of Jack Ross, and the decision was quickly made to hand him the reins on a permanent basis.

Fox has since delivered seven wins and eight defeats in 19 matches, their best form over a prolonged period occurring since November 9.

Eleven points have been collected from the most recent eight fixtures in the league, leaving the Terrors three points above bottom spot.

Since the resumption, Dundee United have only suffered one defeat, that coming at home to Rangers, and they progressed in the Scottish Cup last time out as they beat Stirling University by a 3-0 scoreline.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:


Dundee United form (all competitions):


Celtic Scottish Premiership form:


Celtic form (all competitions):



Team News

Celtic's Matt O'Riley celebrates scoring their fifth goal on April 9, 2022© Reuters

Having rung the changes for the Scottish Cup tie, Fox is expected to revert back to a similar side which lined up for the 2-2 draw at Hibs before that fixture.

Although Charlie Mulgrew was able to get a welcome 90 minutes in his legs after a spell on the sidelines, the 36-year-old will likely only be named among the replacements.

Playmaker Glenn Middleton heads into this fixture having netted in successive matches.

Celtic boss Postecoglou went stronger than expected for the Scottish Cup tie with Greenock Morton, but changes will be made for this fixture.

Matt O'Riley, Reo Hatate and Jota should all come back into the starting lineup, while recent signing Yuki Kobayashi is in line for a third straight start at centre-back.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, McMann; Freeman, Sibbald, Djoum, Behich; Harkes, Middleton; Fletcher

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Johnston, Starfelt, Kobayashi, Bernabei; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Abada, Furuhashi, Jota


SM words green background

We say: Dundee United 0-3 Celtic

Dundee United will feel on a high heading into this fixture given their recent improvements. Nevertheless, facing Celtic is equally daunting, and we expect the visitors to cruise to another three points at Tannadice.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data

ID:505183:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect12605:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Dundee Utd vs Celtic

Dundee United
10.0%
Draw
5.0%
Celtic
85.0%
40
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates after the match on January 14, 2023
Read Next:
Celtic sign South Korea international Hyeongyu Oh
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic25231178186070
2RangersRangers25194258233561
3Hearts25126745351042
4Livingston2410592734-735
5Hibernian25104113738-134
6St Mirren249692633-733
7Aberdeen25102133947-832
8St Johnstone2583142942-1327
9Kilmarnock2565142144-2323
10Ross County2556142038-1821
11Motherwell2455142738-1120
12Dundee UnitedDundee Utd2455142643-1720

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!