Celtic face Dundee United tomorrow at Tannadice in the Cinch Premiership as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to maintain their winning run and pick up another valuable three points as the target title glory.
It is a tricky away game for Ange Postecoglou’s side but given that the club have already overcome a tough run of away games, they will be confident that they have enough to beat United tomorrow afternoon but they’ll need to do it without some key players.
Team News
Defensively, Celtic appear to be quite short on options. Cameron Carter-Vickers missed the win over Hearts with a personal issue, it’s expected that he will return for today’s game but the question is who he starts beside Carl Starfelt was excellent on Thursday night but he seemed to struggle as the game went on. His defensive partner Stephen Welsh was forced off injured holding his hamstring. He was replaced by Nir Bitton but it appears that Ange should be able to call upon his preferred defensive partnership – especially with no return date set for Christopher Jullien.
At right back, Celtic will be without Tony Ralston – who rolled his ankle in the build up for Kyogo winner. This will mean Juranovic will play at right back but the question remains if it is too soon for Greg Taylor or whether the manager needs to call on Adam Montgomery at left back. Liam Scales could be an outside bench for a starting place but the smart money is on Montgomery getting the nod.
Jota limped off but fortunately didn’t go straight down the tunnel. It appeared to be a minor hamstring issue as he was in full flow and went down without any contact, there is however cause for concern. The Portuguese winger will be a miss for Celtic but there is a hope that he’ll be able to get back to full fitness in the coming weeks. Mikey Johnston will look to take advantage of this unfortunate situation and come into the starting XI, although Ange might bring Abada in on the right and move Forrest over to the left wing as he opted to do earlier in the season.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12pm (Noon) Celtic Park time on Sunday 5 December.
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 11:30am. Overseas subscribers to CELTIC TV can also watch the game live.
CELTIC TV will be live* on-air from 11:45am, where Gerry McCulloch will be joined by Tom Boyd, bringing you all the action as it happens at Tannadice. Before kick-off CELTIC TV will catch up with Ange Postecoglou to hear his thoughts before the game, then take a look back at the highlights from Thursday’s game against Hearts.
*Celtic TV subscribers in UK and Ireland can enjoy live commentary of the Dundee United match with a full match replay available from midnight.
Celtic drew 1-1 against the Tannadice outfit when the sides met earlier this season at Celtic Park. United are currently fourth in the table and have impressed since Tam Courts took over as manager in the summer.
Despite some concerns that the game wouldn’t go ahead due to storm damage, the club have confirmed that the match can go ahead albeit with the closure of the Jerry Kerr Stand – meaning around 2000 Celtic fans with tickets – including Matt Corr from this parish – will be locked out but will get a full refund.
COYBIG!
Today’s SWPL Cup Final
An alternative suggestion for these 2000 supporters and indeed all Celtic Fans watching the game at Tannadice on television is this: when it’s finished head over to Firhill and cheer on Fran Alonso’s Celtic FC Women side in the Cup Final against Glasgow City, with a 4.10pm kick-off. It’s only £8 for adults and £2 for concessions so bring the kids and have a great day out.
Tickets are available ahead of kick-off at Firhill.
If you haven’t watched the women’s game you’ll be surprised at the quality of these two sides, both Champions League participants this season. And in Charlie Wellings, Alonso’s side has the advantage of the best finisher in the Scottish women”s game. She’s lethal.
Celtic have only won this Cup once, back in 2010 and the tickets are selling really well, so there should be a great crowd there to roar on the Hoops and help them bring the SWPL Cup – effectively the League Cup – back to Paradise tomorrow evening.
COYGIG!