Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 26

Feb 15, 2025 at 3pm UK

Celtic Park

Celtic vs Dundee Utd

Match preview

Celtic are enjoying another dominant year in Scottish football, having already lifted the Scottish League Cup trophy, booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish FA Cup and opened up a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the table.

After 25 games in the Scottish Premiership, the Bhoys have won 21, drawn three and lost just one - their only defeat in all domestic competitions this season - to finish on 66 points, well ahead of second-placed Rangers on 53.

Brendan Rodgers has also guided his side to an impressive run in the Champions League, securing qualification to the knockout stages for the first time since 2012-13 after the Bhoys finished 21st in the league.

Celtic were handed a tough draw against European giants Bayern Munich to reach the knockout stages, and a narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Celtic Park means they face a tough away trip to the Allianz Arena.

After the frustration of missing several key chances to secure a draw in that game, Celtic will be looking to bounce back against Dundee Utd on Saturday to build confidence ahead of Tuesday's crucial return leg.

Given Celtic's dominance in domestic competition this season, they should be confident of taking all three points, especially considering the Bhoys have won nine of the last ten meetings with Dundee Utd at the Paradise.

Jim Goodwin's side also appear to have hit a wall in recent weeks, with the Scottish Premiership leaders having won just one of their last six games, losing the other five.

That will come as a huge disappointment to the Tangerines, especially after such a positive start to the season, which saw them win nine, draw seven and lose four of their first 20 league games.

Dundee Utd remain third in the table with 37 points from 25 games, but their recent form has allowed the chasing pack to make up ground and they now sit just seven points clear of eighth-placed St Mirren.

Goodwin will be desperate to get his side back to winning ways and will be hoping that their strong away form, which has seen them pick up the second most points away from home in the league, can help them get the result they need in this game.

Dundee Utd have had a fortnight's break prior to this fixture, while Celtic have played four games in that time, and Goodwin will be looking to capitalise on the extra rest to try and secure a win.

Recent Performance

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:WWWDWW

Celtic form (all competitions):WLWWWL

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:WLLWLL

Dundee United form (all competitions):LLWLLL

Team News

James Forrest has been sidelined since December with a foot problem and is not expected to return until later this month, while Paulo Bernardo is also a doubt after missing the defeat to Bayern Munich.

Ahead of Tuesday's return leg against Bayern Munich, Rodgers could rotate his squad to rest key players, meaning the likes of Jota, Anthony Ralston, Luke McCowan and Jeffrey Schlupp could start.

Adam Idah has scored four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions and the striker will be looking to add to his tally with a start expected in this game.

As for Dundee Utd, Craig Sibbald has not featured since the 1-0 win over St Mirren in early October, and the midfielder is not expected to return until later this month.

Having had a fortnight's rest ahead of the game, Goodwin is likely to name his strongest side to face the league leaders, with top scorer Sam Dalby leading the attack.

Possible starting lineup

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Schlupp; McCowan, McGregor, Hatate; Jota, Idah, Hyun-Jun

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Sevelj, Campbell, Ferry; Stephenson; Dalby, Moult