Match preview

Dundee United are enjoying a phenomenal first season back in the Scottish Premiership after earning promotion from the Scottish Championship last campaign, when they lifted the title with a six-point lead over second-placed Raith Rovers.

The Tangerines have won six, drawn six and lost just four of their first 16 league outings, leaving them fifth in the table with 24 points, five above seventh-placed Dundee and just a point behind fourth-placed Motherwell.

Jim Goodwin's men were enjoying a five-game unbeaten run in the league, with three draws and two victories, before they faced the Steelmen last time out, when they were narrowly defeated 4-3 in undoubtedly one of the games of the season.

Despite the defeat, Dundee Utd were arguably the better side as they controlled possession, with 65% compared to Motherwell's 35%, while also taking 16 shots to the Steelmen's 12, a performance that would have encouraged Goodwin.

Looking to reclaim fourth spot from Motherwell and return to winning ways, Dundee United now face the formidable challenge of attempting to defeat a Celtic side that are unbeaten in their last 31 domestic matches.

The Bhoys were title favourites heading into the 2024-25 season, and they have certainly cemented themselves as the dominant force in the Scottish Premiership as they already hold an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Brendan Rodgers's side sit top of the standings with 43 points, having won 14 and drawn just one of their 15 league games, boasting a stunning +40 goal difference with 44 goals scored and only four conceded.

In fact, that form has been replicated across all competitions so far this term, with Celtic having suffered just one loss from their opening 25 matches - an anamolous 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League - alongside 20 wins and four draws.

Those results mean Celtic are not only well on course to defending their Scottish Premiership title, but also well positioned to secure qualification to the knockout rounds of the Champions League for the first time since 2012-13, as the Bhoys currently sit 21st in the table with nine points.

Celtic will also be boosted by already securing their first silverware of the campaign in their last match, defeating Rangers 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw to lift the Scottish League Cup trophy for the third time in four years, having missed out last term.

Team News

Dundee United are only expected to be contending with the absence of one player, with Craig Sibbald set to remain on the sidelines until later this month due to a groin injury that has kept him out of action since October.

Despite losing 4-3 to Motherwell in their last match, Dundee Utd were arguably the better side and were unbeaten in the previous five games, meaning that Goodwin may keep faith and opt to field a similar lineup for this match.

Sam Dalby's remarkable goalscoring run continued with two goals in the defeat to Motherwell, bringing his league total to eight and marking his eighth goal in the last nine appearances, and the striker will be relied upon to make a difference once again here.

As for Celtic, Odin Thiago Holm is their only absentee due to a calf injury that will keep him out until later this month, leaving Rodgers with a virtually full squad to select from.

Having played 120 minutes against Rangers in the final a week ago, Rodgers could make several changes to freshen up the side, meaning the likes of Liam Scales, Arne Engels and Alex Valle could start.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Stephenson, Sevelj, Babunski, Middleton; Dalby, Moult

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Valle; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda