Celtic host Dundee United on Wednesday night as the Scottish Champions look to close the gap ahead of the Glasgow Derby clash on January 2. Neil Lennon’s side need maximum points going forward if they are to retain their Premiership crown and
The last time Dundee United visited Celtic Park, Mixu Paatelainen was their manager and Ronny Deila was the Celtic boss. Fresh after a poor defeat away to Molde in the Europa League, Celtic were in need of a reaction and the Premiership strugglers United were the visitors at Celtic Park.
Celtic went ahead through talisman Leigh Griffiths. Griffiths executed a clinical finish, which echoed Larsson at Ibrox in 2001 as he managed to slide the ball in from the narrowest of angles. Boyata then lost his man and headed the Celts 2-0 ahead from a free kick.
The game would also see Kris Commons score a brace, starting even after his disrespectful outburst at Deila back in Norway. However, the goal of the game would surely go to Celtic skipper Scott Brown – who took the ball down the left touchline before cutting inside, beating his man and then chipping the ball net-bound. Although, inexplicably, the goal was given to Kuhl as an OG but it was almost certainly Brown’s goal.
The game will live in infamy due to it being the day that ex-West Ham striker Carlton Cole was paraded to the Parkhead faithful.
Fast forward to 2020, Celtic need a strong performance against United to take them into Saturday’s game with Rangers. Celtic have hit a run of form in recent weeks, whilst Rangers have slowed down in terms of performance but results have still been impressive for Steven Gerrard’s side. So Celtic will be looking to use Wednesday night as a dress rehearsal for the trip to Ibrox, knowing that both games are must wins.
Everyone at Celtic Football Club is very saddened to hear of the death of former @dundeeunitedfc manager Jim McLean.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at #CelticFC are with Jim’s family and friends at this sad time 🍀 pic.twitter.com/eYvMgAgtWc
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 26, 2020
The match will also likely see acknowledgment of the life of the former Dundee United manager Jim McLean, who died on Saturday. McLean worked as Assistant Manager to the great Jock Stein for four years. McLean won the League as well as two League Cups. May he rest in peace.
