Dundee United vs Celtic
Time: UK – 5.30 pm, India – 9.30 pm (Saturday)
Venue: Tannadice Park
Celtic were subjected to unnecessary humiliation when they saw two of their domestic fixtures being suspended following irresponsible behaviour by one of their first-team players.
Belgian full-back Boli Bolingoli admitted to playing against Kilmarnock on 9th August, just days after returning from a trip to Spain, without going into quarantine.
As a result, the Scottish champions released a statement apologizing for the behaviour of their player.
However, suspension of the two games against St Mirren and Aberdeen allowed Neil Lennon’s side some much-needed time to rest and rejuvenate themselves.
When Celtic finally returned to action on Tuesday in a Champions League first-round qualifying match against KR Reykjavík, they showed no signs of rustiness, thrashing the Icelandic outfit 6-0.
Next up for the Hoops is a match against newly-promoted Scottish Premiership side Dundee United at the Tannadice Park on Saturday.
Micky Mellon’s side have made a positive start to their campaign in the top flight and the defending champions will have their task cut out at the weekend.
Dundee United vs Celtic: Recent form
Dundee United: W-L-W-D-D
Celtic: W-D-W-W-D
Celtic won their last game in the Champions League qualifier 6-0 against Icelandic side KR Reykjavík, while Dundee United beat Ross County 2-1 in a league match away from home.
Dundee United vs Celtic: head-to-head record
Total Matches: 82
Dundee United wins: 5
Celtic wins: 60
Draws: 17
The last meeting between the two sides took place in January 2016, when Celtic won 4-1 at Tannadice Park. Leigh Griffiths scored a brace, while Jozo Simunovic and Kris Commons netted one apiece.
Dundee United vs Celtic: Team news
Dundee United
Winger Paul McMullan remains the only player to be sidelined with a groin injury.
Manager Micky Mellon has stressed his desire to give chances to young players and the match against Celtic is expected to be no different. He said:
“The youth in the team is fantastic. The effort, endeavour and talent they showed was terrific and we’re pleased to dip into a fantastic academy.
“We gave people first starts in the Scottish Premiership and they just got on with it, along with the experienced boys who know the standards of the football club.”
Celtic
Manager Neil Lennon has already revealed that it will be very hard for Boli Bolingoli to be accepted back into the Celtic dressing room.
“We have been bitterly and sorely let down. The players are angry, disappointed and frustrated. The selfish actions of the individual is baffling.
“I am livid, it was a total betrayal of trust.”
Bolingoli, therefore, is set to play no part against Dundee United.
Leigh Griffiths is the other player to miss the Dundee United clash with a calf strain. The rest of the team will be available for selection and in spite of the midweek Champions League qualifier, the players will be relatively fresh after the unscheduled break.
Dundee United vs Celtic: Predicted line-up
Dundee United predicted line-up (4-4-2): Siegrist; Smith, Connolly, Reynolds(C), Robson;Bolton, Harkes, Butcher, Pawlett; Clark, Shankland
Celtic predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Barkas; Frimpong, Jullien, Ajer, Taylor; Brown(C), McGregor; Forrest, Christie, Elyounoussi; Edouard
Dundee United vs Celtic: Where to watch
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. People around the world can also access the match via the SkyGo app.
Dundee United vs Celtic: Prediction
The newly-promoted Scottish Premiership side have managed to surprise their opponents on a number of occasions so far. However, Celtic might prove to be too good an opposition for the Terrors on Saturday.
Dundee United great Lee Wilke recently said that even a point against Celtic at the weekend will be a bonus for his former side. He said:
“Make no mistake, any points coming out of Saturday will be a bonus.”
However, the hosts might have their work cut out against a far strong Celtic team on Saturday.
Dundee United vs Celtic final verdict: 0-1
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