Securing fourth place in the SPL is the major objective for Dundee United between now and the end of the season as they travel to Celtic for their lunchtime kick-off on Sunday. Nearest challengers Kilmarnock are currently seven points behind them having played a game more following their 2-2 home draw with Hearts.
Vital Quotes:
“There have been no real issues or confrontations throughout the season and the players have been really together for a long, long time,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon told BBC Scotland. “The squad is good, the confidence is good, they are all chomping at the bit to play, and there is a certain amount of freshness about the players as well which is great. It might well go to the last game of the season, I don’t know, but the players are pretty focused and positive at the minute.”
“Everybody’s back now and, if I’m playing a 4-3-3 and looking for three midfield players and I’ve got Davie Robertson, Scott Robertson, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis, which one do I leave out?,” Dundee United chief Peter Houston asked BBC Scotland. “And, with Jon Daly and David Goodwillie fighting for one striker place, it gives you good headaches. Earlier in the season, we had 11 players that were fit.”
Celtic Team News:
Celtic were already missing midfielder Joe Ledley and defender Cha Du-Ri and they have since been joined on the injury list by former Swedish international Freddie Ljunberg.
Celtic (from): Forster, Wilson, Majstorovic, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Kayal, Ki, Commons, Hooper, Stokes, Samaras, Zaluska, Maloney, Rogne, Forrest, McCourt, McGinn, Murphy
Player to watch: Mark Wilson
Former Terrors defender enjoying an excellent season at Celtic Park.
Dundee United Team News:
Manager Peter Houston can welcome back Sean Dillon, Mihael Kovacevic, Paul Dixon and Morgaro Gomis from suspension. However, defender Darren Dods is still out with injury.
Dundee United (from): Pernis, Kenneth, Van der Meulen, Watson, Severin, Douglas, Buaben, Conway, D. Robertson, S. Robertson, Swanson, Daly, Shala, Russell, Goodwillie, Dow, Hill, Banks, Gomis, Dixon, Dillon, Kovacevic
Player to watch: Danny Swanson
Major creative influence in midfield for the visitors.
Match Facts & Stats
Celtic go into the game on the back of a tight derby draw with SPL leaders Rangers. Dundee United really hit the goal trail by defeating Kilmarnock 4-2 at Tannadice despite a number of absences in their last appearance.
Next Fixtures:
Celtic – Inverness CT (A); Dundee United – Motherwell (H)
