Bhoys Aim to Dee-stroy

Bhoys Aim to Dee-stroy
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Arne Engels' late penalty equalizer snatched a share of the spoils when these sides last met


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
19.45 GMT​

The Hoops have the opportunity to restore a 13 point gap at the top of the Premiership ladder, with victory against Dundee at Parkhead, tomorrow evening.

Celtic come into this game on the back of a 3-1 success against managerless Motherwell at the weekend, and will be looking to back that up in a match that was postponed, due to the damage left in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

This past month has seen 7 players leave the club (either permanantly or on loan), with just Jota's return incoming and the deadline day loan signing of Jeffrey Schlupp, and starting with this match, this is the group of players that will be counted upon as the countdown towards sealing a 4th straight League title continues, starting with this match against the visitors from Tayside.

The home support will be looking for a better all round performance than what was produced just a few weeks ago against this same opponant at Dens Park. It was a performance that seemed a bit tired and flat, which the hosts took advantage of, and ultimately Celtic were fortunate to depart with a share of the spoils, courtesy of Arne Engels' late penalty to * a late equalizer in a 3-3 thriller.


Luke McCowan scored the early opener against his old club in the 3-3 thriller a few weeks ago

As for the visitors, they will be hurting after being hammered, 6-0, by Hearts at the weekend. Considering prior to that were riding high on confidence, having been perhaps unfortunate not to take the honours against both of the Glasgow clubs, as well as defeating their city rivals, United 1-0 in the Scottish Cup - a first derby win in 7 years - so the heavy defeat at home by Hearts was unexpected.​

While Tony Docherty's side are one of the more attack minded in the Premiership, having scored the joint 3rd most goals overall (37), they have also conceded the joint second most overall (47), so one way or another, expect goals in this game!

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Stats & Facts​

• Celtic are undefeated at Paradise against all opposition in all competitions since December 2023 - including 18 wins in 20 matches at 'home' in 2024/25.

• The Hoops have been unbeaten by the Dark Blues, Home or Away, since May 2001 - and have won every visit by Dundee to Celtic Park since 2018.

• Kasper Schmeichel will be after an 8th straight 'Home' clean sheet in the League.

• There is a high chance of early goals, with these being two of the top three in the Premisership in terms of first half goals scored (Celtic 28, Dundee 21).

• Away from Dens Park, Dundee have picked up just 1 point in games when they concede first this season (W0 D1 L5).

• By contrast, they are undefeated on the road, when they have scored first (W3 D2 L0).

Jota celebrated his return to Celtic with a goal to cap a 3-1 win against Motherwell on Sunday

Team News

Brendan Rodgers has close to a full squad to choose from, with James Forrest closing on a return, but is not close enough to be considered as yet. Jota is expected to once again be on the bench as he works his way back to full match fitness, while deadline day arrival Jeffrey Schlupp will also be hopeful of making a debut appearance.

While the manager has continued to rotate his players throughout this busy schedule, especially in midfield and out wide in front of a largely settled defence, it will be interesting to see if Anthony Ralston is once again named in the starting XI, ahead of Alistair Johnston at right back.

As for the visitors, Docherty is expected to be once again without Scott Fraser, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee, Charlie Reilly and Billy Koumetio (unspecified). However, Antonio Portales and Ziyad Larkeche are once again available following injury layoffs.

Dundee are still seeking to bed in the 4 signings they made during the recent window - Aaron Donnelly, Imari Samuels, Cesar Garza & Victor Lopez - with the first 3 having started the 6-0 loss to Hearts at the weekend, and given the context of that result, it is expected that Docherty will make a number of alterations to his team.

Referee: Colin Steven

Since his debut in 2019, Steven has taken charge of 52 Premiership matches in total - including 7 this season. Celtic have won both of their previous games when he has officiated; most recently September's 2-0 win v Hearts.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:2 W:2 D:0 L:0

VAR: Alan Muir​

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 260 W: 156 D: 61 L: 43

Last 5 Meetings
D W W W W

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~ ​

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

SPFL
W D W W W ~ L D D W L​