Celtic FC Women kick off their defence of the league title today against Dundee United at Celtic Park. And Elena Sadiku has named her team that will begin the defence of our SWPL1 title…

Daugherty, Hayes, Clark (c), Bruna, Smith, Ashworth-Clifford, S.Carstens, Cavanagh, M.Carstens, Gallacher and Noonan. COYGIG

SUBS: Rodgers, Barclais, Craig, Agnew, McGregor, Kerner, Goldie, Luana and McAneny

GHIRLS FLAG DAY AT PARADISE!

After a good pre-season in Sweden that saw the Ghirls be tested by European outfits, it’s back to domestic action for the first time since Amy Gallacher’s late winner secured the title against Hibs back in May, the day Amy made theRangers cry!

Who could forget our last outing at Celtic Park? 😅🏆

🎟️ Cheer on the Ghirls as the Champions unfurl the league flag for the first time in this afternoon’s season opener ⤵️#CELUTD | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/WyK61sq9Np

— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) August 10, 2024

For the first time in history, there will be a flag day in Scottish women’s football. The Celtic captain Kelly Clark, alongside footballing legend Rose Reilly, will unfurl the flag in front of Celtic supporters as the season officially gets underway.

Last season when we faced Dundee United, we beat them 9-0 at the Excelsior and 2-0 away from home.

Today’s visitors averaged two goals against them per match in the 23/24 season, only managing four wins and three draws across the course of the campaign. Dundee United averaged less possession than their opponent and only kept a clean sheet in 6% of their games.

All stats, as usual, are courtesy of FootyStats. Percentages and averages only cover games played in the Scottish Women’s Premier League and UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Speaking to the media, including The Celtic Star ahead of today’s match, Elena Sadiku said: “I’m just so excited to go out there, the girls will get what they deserve, and then it’s all about starting the season well, doing what we’re good at, and that’s playing very good football.

“The girls know that we always have things we need to be aware of and things we need to exploit but the main focus will always be us. Always be us. And that’s something we’ve been talking about today as well because Celtic – how we play is about dominating. And that’s something we’re going to go through in every game ahead of us.”

Team News

In the pre-match press conference, Elena confirmed that four players are currently out injured – Kit Loferski, Natalie Ross, Amy Richardson and Chloe Logan. That explains why Natalie wasn’t in Sweden and therefore was able to speak to The Celtic Star last week when we attended the official launch of the new SWPL1 season.

I was hoping to see Amy Richardson get some minutes, as she is a player who I believe to be very promising and one who will turn out to be a fantastic player, but it seems we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to watch her play competitive football in a Celtic shirt.

Kit Loferski was a suspected one as she travelled to Sweden with the squad but didn’t make an appearance in either of the two games that were played. It’s crucial to get Kit fully fit as she’s a major weapon for Celtic with that incredible pace and finishing power, so starting the season injured is a concern.

Chloe Logan will hopefully recover quickly as she is a very useful squad option.

Four injuries going into the season is frustrating but Celtic has a strong squad. Of course, Elena would prefer none, but hopefully all of them have a speedy recovery.

Player’s View

Kelly Clark also spoke to the media ahead of today’s clash. The Celtic captain told The Celtic Star: “I can’t wait for the game. It almost feels like an extended celebration. I’m just so proud that we’re the first ones to do a flag day, as we call it here. And I just can’t wait to be walking out of Celtic Park again for the occasion that it’s going to be. I feel like it’s an extended celebration with the fans, which is important. I’m just looking forward to it.

“I get prouder every season to lead the squad. For the last four/five years, since we went professional, leading the team out stronger and stronger every year, and then this year, leading them out as champions is something that I probably never expected before the last couple of years. It’s a massive honour, I don’t really have the words for it. It’s a massive club.

“I say it all the time, but in my entire career at Celtic, I’ve watched the men do it so often. I’ve probably been at almost every flag day, the one just there is probably one of the first ones I’ve missed. I’ve watched them do it so many times, I’ve watched them lift trophies so often, and to be doing it for this club, I just can’t wait. It’s just amazing.”

Match Officials

Abbie Hendry will referee this fixture, with Nathan Deane and Daniel Boyle named as the assistant referees. No fourth official has been named, and of course, the SWPL is still without VAR.

Kick-off Time

It’s a lunchtime kick-off for Flag Day at Paradise with Celtic vs Dundee United kicking off at 1pm

Where to Watch

If you can, get yourself over to Paradise to support the Ghirls and witness a historic flag day. If you are unable to make it, the match will be broadcast live on BBC Sport Scotland.

Score Prediction

Celtic 6 – 0 Dundee United.

It’s the first game of the season and we should have no trouble beating a side that we recorded a 9-0 victory over last season.

Dundee United have to be respected because they are a good side on their day, but I think that the challenge Celtic pose at the minute is too great for them to overcome. Here is the Dundee United team news…

📋 Our first 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐈 of 2024/25 to take on Celtic at Celtic Park!

7️⃣ debuts this afternoon
2️⃣ Megan Burns and Abbie Cusack make their second debut while Stacey McFadyen looks to do the same from the bench
👩‍✈️ Leah Sidey takes the armband

🗞️ | #DUFCW pic.twitter.com/IkUhcToaES

— Dundee United Football Club Women (@DundeeUnitedFCW) August 10, 2024

Jessica Elliott