Celtic face Dundee United at Paradise this afternoon as Martin O’Neill returns to the dugout. The 73-year-old answered the save our season call from the Celtic hierarchy once again after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous spell was brought to an end on Monday. The legendary Celtic manager will return back into the Celtic hot seat alongside Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, who will be tasked with getting the team back to winning ways and hunting down both Hearts and Rangers in an attempt to win the title.
Team News
Celtic go into the game without Kelechi Iheanacho, Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Marcelo Saracchi. Manager O’Neill confirmed that Iheanacho and Saracchi are nearing a return in giving his update. Meanwhile, Celtic will welcome back Sebastian Tounekti and Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, who return from the AFCON to assist with Celtic’s push for the title.
Despite a poor display last weekend, Kasper Schmeichel will retain his place in the nets. The Danish Internationalist will be eager to get back to a clean sheet with a settled back four in front of him.
Julian Araujo will likely start at right back with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales starting as a central pairing alongside Kieran Tierney at left back.
In midfield, expect Callum McGregor to start alongside Arne Engels as Reo Hatate occupies the advanced role.
Luke McCowan may be asked to start at right wing as he often did towards the end of MON’s interim spell. However, that would call for the ex-Dundee midfielder to come in at the expense of Yang, who was actually a rare bright spark in the last few weeks. Expect Daizen Mazda to start out wide with Johnny Kenny through the middle.
Kenny looked full of confidence under MON and he will be eager to show what he is capable of before Celtic add attacking reinforcements.
Referee Details
The SFA have confirmed the appointment of Nick Walsh as referee for the clash. The senior referee will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Frank Connor. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Andrew Dallas will be on VAR duty with Gavin Duncan assisting.
Walsh last took charge of Celtic in their 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road at the end of November.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will not be on TV but it will be shown on Celtic TV for subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland. Supporters will be able to tune in at 2:45pm for buildup from Paradise.
Here we go again with a referee who has strong links too the Huns! This man trains young teams at ibrokes on a Monday, and as for Dallas on VAR ? Well this same man has called me a Fenian Bas%—+d, and we expect fairness from him? No chance!! He is a bigot through and through and still gets to be in charcoal of VAR at Celtic games! He is one arrogant boy, and always has been .. But then again it is Scotland and the West Of Scotland referee mafia from the masons / orange order are the men the SFA appoint!! Shocking!!.