Celtic begins our Premier Sports campaign with a difficult task against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United at Tannadice later this afternoon…
It’s the venue where Martin O’Neill last experienced the bitter taste of defeat before galvanising the team for a sensational title run in which ended with a spectacular double.
That defeat at Tannadice was played on an atrocious playing surface which will not be the case today and with three of our new signings likely to start with another on the bench, there will certainly be a greater goal threat from Celtic on this occasion.
Celtic also lost at Tannadice last season during the ill-fated and ill-considered tenure of Wilfried Nancy do we clearly are due a triumph in the City of Discovery where we also lost across the road last term with Brendan Rodgers in charge that afternoon.
So nothing can be taken for granted in a cup tie that will be played to a finish.
Martin O’Neill will be hoping that his side can get the job done early, like last weekend where Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock side were put to bed in the first half. That would allow the veteran Celtic boss to use his bench with the massive Champions League Playoff against Austrian Champions LASK upcoming in midweek.
Celtic Team News
Celtic go into the game with new signings Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan available for selection. The pair confirmed their moves to Celtic Park earlier this week and will be available for selection.
Alistair Johnston has picked up an injury while Arne Engels is expected to complete a move to West Ham and is not involved.
Vil Sinisalo will start in goals. The Finnish stopper has assumed the No.1 role from Kasper Schmeichel but the Champions are expected to add competition for Sinisalo.
Cameron Carter-Vickers will start at the back probably alongside Auston Trusty. Liam Scales is available for selection after serving his suspension. Colby Donovan will likely start at right back with KT at left back.
Callum McGregor will start at the heart of the Celtic midfield. There’s an argument for Baur coming straight into the starting XI to sit in the midfield alongside the skipper and Benji Nygren.
Kasper Hogh will likely lead the line with Camilo Duran and Yang continuing alongside the talismanic Dane.
Match Officials
Steven McLean has been named as the referee. McLean will be assisted by Ross Macleod and Ross Nelson, with Ross Hardie acting as fourth official. Greg Aitken will operate as VAR and will be assisted up by Duncan Williams.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 17:45 (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will exclusively be shown on Premier Sports 1 with the coverage from Tannadice starting at 17:15. CelticPlayer subscribers outside Britain and Ireland will be able to catch the action on the club’s streaming service.
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1 Comment
Certainly an interesting team selection imo?
Will we keep our usual 4231 team shape or has MoN something different in mind like a 3412 with a returning scales in mind?
Think a Calmac/ Baur partnership in our central midfield areas, possibly the biggest to keep an eye upon, and hopefully works very well?
Could we have a front 2 in operation, with nygren sitting in behind Hogh and Duran?
Possibly needs a back 3 in operation, to get that potential set up functioning imo?
But with both Kenny and Osmand within our CL qualification squad, might that be within the thinking of MoN?
Personally hold a few concerns regarding CCV and Tierney, starting today, with Wednesday in mind?
Have they got the fitness levels with midweek games in mind?
Don’t expect Hassan to start, but could do with getting some game time into him before Wednesday imo?
Still expecting another dominating performance and result?
Especially as united will possibly look to play the backs to the wall approach imo?