Celtic will be heading to Tannadice Park this weekend in their chase for the Premiership title. Celtic secured a win at home in their previous match. While Dundee United can move up to third place with a win this weekend. They would be looking back to recover from their loss against Motherwell and get back to winning ways. Can Celtic keep the pressure on the Rangers at the top of the Premiership or will Dundee United possibly climb their way up the table?
Dundee United managed to register just one win in their last five league games. The Tangerines were beaten 1-0 in their previous game in the Premiership. They are placed at the fourth spot with seven wins, four draws, and five losses in 16 games. Tam Court’s men have managed to secure a decent spot in the league as compared to their last campaign, where they finished ninth. Unfortunately, they ended November on a frustrating note. Dylan Levitt and Jeando Fuchs remain doubtful for the game.
In their previous away game against Motherwell, the Tangerines were dominated by the home side in most of the stats. Dundee United failed to create any significant impact in the game and chased behind their opponents, who were fairly effective in their attacking metrics. Though the Tangerines pressed constructively, an early goal from Tony Watt was enough for Motherwell to apply an adequate amount of pressure.
As per the above stats, the Tangerines have struggled to find the back of the net. They are placed near the bottom and are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league this season. They have managed to score 15 goals in 16 matches.
Celtic have been a better and a consistent side. They remain unbeaten in nine games in the league and are placed at the second spot with 10 wins, two draws, and three losses. They won their previous game against Hearts 1-0, with Kyogo Furuhashi scoring the only goal of the game. Celtic have a strong defensive line, and hold one of the best defensive records in the Premiership this season. The Hoops are four points behind the league leaders Rangers and would be looking to chase them this weekend. Jota, Ralston, and Stephen Welsh remain doubtful for the game, while Tom Rogic might make a comeback.
In the previous game against Hearts, Celtic won 1-0. They took more shots than their opponents. Forrest had the highest xG in the match. Celtic’s xG of 2.77 surpassed that of Hearts’ 0.94. David Turnbull made the highest number of passes to the final third, while he also took the highest number of shots.
Celtic have been consistent in most of the stats, and their PPDA stats and average per intensity remain one of the best in the league. They have conceded the lowest number of goals. Their PPDA of 6.529 indicates that they have managed to press effectively. The Hoops have been successful in winning the ball back frequently.
Predicted XI
Dundee United (4-5-1) Siegrist; McMann, Mulgrew, Edwards, Freeman; Clark, Niskanen, Hoti, Harkes, Pawlett; Appere.
Celtic Predicted (4-3-3) Hart; Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Bitton, Juranovic, Rogic, McGregor, Turnbull, Forrest, Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi.
Prediction
Celtic will be looking forward to closing the gap between the first position, while Dundee United will try to make a comeback and cement their position on the table. It is going to be a difficult game with a Celtic win on the cards.
