Bhoys Bound for Boxing Dees

Bhoys Bound for Boxing Dees
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


The Bhoys celebrate Kyogo's first league goal in over a month in the 2-0 win v Livingston


Scot Foam Stadium, Dundee
Tuesday, 26 December 2023
15.00 GMT​

Celtic's Premiership title defence resumes after Christmas, when they make the journey to Tayside to take on 7th placed Dundee on Boxing Day.

The Hoops secured a comfortable win against Livingston in what was very much a one sided contest on Saturday, with two quickfire goals just after halftime settling the final result.

It was important in so much as the Bhoys had to bounce back after back to back league defeats to Killie and Hearts, especially with just this one last game, against Dindee, to be played ahead of the Glasgow derby, next weekend.

While Celtic fans and players alike will be happy to be back in the win column, it was a performance that at times showed significant improvement in terms of tempo and creativity, however there were also spells where the telltale predictability of the build up play that has hampered the Bhoys' effectiveness this season was all too apparent and remains a serious concern.

There was, however, a return for the Green Brigade to Paradise. Their absence had been noticably telling in recent times, and their effect on the atmosphere was welcomed - especially with the derby scheduled for next week.


Luis Palma created a series of quality opportunities - including both goals - against Livi on Saturday

As for the hosts for this Boxing Day fixture, Tony Docharty will be reasonably pleased with the steady progress that his side have made since winning promotion to the top flight this season.

The Tayside club are comfortably sitting in midtable and with two games in hand over the teams around them. However they did not get to play on the weekend, as their match with Aberdeen was postponed in curious circumstances - ostensibly for a waterlogged pitch.

It was a decision that left many baffled, none more so than the Dundee boss. In fact, Docherty had his team training on the Dens Park surface after the announcement and before what should've been the scheduled kick off time, in order to seemingly make a point about the ground's suitability and safety, while also questioning the decision to call the game off, especially as there has been no consultation with the clubs, ground staff, match delegates or police.

Celtic will be hoping there is no such repeat for Tuesday's game.​

By the Numbers​

• Celtic have been undefeated by the Dark Blues, home or away, since May 2001.

• The Bhoys have won the last 7 straight meetings between these sides.

• Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add to his unbeaten record of 9 wins in 10 games against Dundee.

September: Alistair Johnston in action against Dundee during the 3-0 victory earlier this season

Team News

The Celts will once again be without Japanese midfielders Tomoki Iwata and Reo Hatate, although Odin Thiago Holm should be available for selection once more, after having missed the weekend's game against Livingston through illness.

As for the Dark Blues, they will once again be without Mexican forward, Diego Pineda, but otherwise expect much the same 3-5-2 formation and lineup as the one that defeated Ross County, last week.

Referee: Don Robertson

Robertson has taken charge of 164 Premiership games since his debut in August 2014. Celtic have only ever lost the one game when Robertson has been the referee.

Celtic's Overall Record
M: 33 W: 29 D: 3 L: 1

VAR: Greg Aitken​

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 255 W: 152 D: 60 L: 43​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W W W

~~~~ 2023/24 Form ~~~~ ​

Overall
W L W L W ~ W L D L W

SPFL
W L L W W ~ W L D L W​