Dundee United V Celtic – Match Preview

Dundee Utd V Celtic

Venue – Tannadice
Kick Off – 12:15pm
Live on Sky Sports 3

Wow, it’s been a while since I have done one of these… lets see… testing, testing 1,2,1,2.

Ok, back in the swing of it.

So, as we all know, if you don’t shame on you, Dundee United host Celtic in Sunday’s stupidly timed game, which is live on Sky Sports.

It’s a game that is sure to see both teams fired up though, there is a lot to play for.  For the home side, it’s the chance to claw back 3 points and cut the lead Celtic hold to only 4 points.  For Celtic, well the aim is to win, avoid any embarrassment, and cement 2nd.

United go into the game as the leagues form team on a solid run of 11 games undefeated, with the visitors the last team to put us to the sword at Parkhead.

Celtic’s run has not been quite as good, suffering a 2-0 Scottish Cup semi final defeat by Ross County as they trundle helplessly along behind Rangers.

For both teams though, the chance to get a grip on second place is big.  For Celtic, not finish as league runners up would be considered somewhat of a disaster.  The loss of Champions League football, and all the financial benefits that would bring, could really see the club struggle next year.

For United the opposite is the case.  With third place as good as sewn up there is nothing to lose and, although there is maybe only a slim chance of getting into second, it would be considered as up there with one the clubs best season to split the Old Firm.  Champions League football, although it would unlikely we would make it to the group stages, would be a welcome addition to next season fixture list.  The added revenue would also potential help lure players to strengthen the squad.

So all to play for in this weekends fixture.

Down to the teams and the picture is looking good for home manager Peter Huston.  David Robertson is set to be available following his calf injury and Mihael Kovacevic will return from suspension.  Scott Robertson is also likely to feature on the bench as he continues his comeback from a long lay off due to a groin injury.

Paul Dixon continues to miss out to a broken foot.

For the visitors, Neil Lennon will welcome back Tomas Rogne, Glenn Loovens and Diomansy Kamara from hamstring problems whilst centre half Darren O’Dea has shrugged off a shoulder injury.

The Arab Blog Prediction

Time to put the neck on the line here.  A Win for United, we step a little closer to second.  Splitting the Old Firm then looks that little bit more possible.

For Celtic, they cannot afford to have the season end with them slipping down to third.

I can see goals in this one, but no winner.  2-2 Final Score.