Celts Set for United Challenge

Celts Set for United Challenge
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda in action against Dundee United earlier this season

Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 15 February 2025
15.00 GMT

The Hoops can take another step closer toward the Premiership title with a victory tomorrow afternoon, when they host the visit of 3rd placed, Dundee United.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking for his side to immediately brush off the frustration of the 2-1 Champions League defeat in midweek to Bayern Munich, as attention turns briefly back to the League before the return trip to Germany, next week.

There are positives to take from that performance, but that needs to be set aside for the time being, as the next challenge to face Celtic awaits in the form of the Tayside visitors.

While the Hoops are currently sitting 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership ladder and require a maximum of just 9 more wins to secure a 4th straight title, there is no room for any European hangover or complacency, as the fixtures continue thick and fast, and nothing can be taken for granted.​

January: Celtic defeated United 2-0 when these sides met last month

United have been one of the real surprise packets of the season since winning promotion back to the top flight, with Jim Goodwin having guided his side up the League ladder, and currently find themselves sitting in third.

Despite their current lofty status on the table, United are looking to snap a 3 match losing streak overall, and just 1 win in the past 5 matches in the League.

While Celtic have been having to contend with a packed fixture list, this will be just the visitors's 2nd game this month, so will have had plenty of time to freshen up and should be close to full strength and fully prepared for this coming Saturday afternoon's clash with the Hoops.


Alistair Johnston duels with United's Glenn Middleton during January's 2-0 victory.

Stats & Facts​

• Celtic have remained unbeaten by United since 2014 overall. In fact, should the Bhoys once again prevail, it will be 50 visits by the Taysiders to Celtic Park since their last success - in 1992.

• The Hoops are undefeated at Paradise against all domestic opposition since December 2023.

• Kasper Schmeichel has kept 8 straight 'Home' Premiership clean sheets.

• The Tangerines are a strong 2nd half team, having scored 24 of their 32 League goals overall after the HT interval.

Kasper Schmeichel has kept a clean sheet in each of the past 8 Premiership games at Celtic Park

Team New

Brendan Rodgers will be once again without the services of veteran winger James Forrest (foot) and a lingering concern over the fitness of Paulo Bernardo also, but otherwise has close to a full squad to select from, with rest and rotation likely the main motivator in any significant changes made to the starting XI, after the team's exhaustive efforts in midweek and knowing they will likely face more of the same next week also.

As for the Tangerines, Craig Sibbald is the only player unavailble but is close to resuming training, while Allan Campbell, who went off with a knock against Hearts has successfully shaken that off and will be in contention for this weekend. That said, given the two week interval since theit last match, Jim Goodwin will likely name his strongest XI for this match.​

Referee: Nick Walsh​

Consistently rated as one of Scotland's top referees, the 34y.o. has officiated over 170 Premiership games since his senior debut in April 2016. This will be the 6th time this season that he will take charge of a match involving Celtic.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:39 W:33 D:5 L:1

VAR: Kevin Clancy​

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:223 W:132 D:55 L:36

Last 5 Meetings
W D W W W

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~ ​

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

SPFL
W W D W W ~ L L W L L ​