Celtic travel to Tannadice Park to face Dundee United in the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup, and the champions appear to be building momentum at precisely the right time. Dundee United have already proved capable of troubling Celtic, however, making this a more interesting knockout fixture than the difference in squad strength initially suggests.
Dundee United earned their place in the knockout rounds by finishing first in League Cup Group B with nine points. They won three of their four group fixtures, edging Montrose for top position on goal difference. Their form has deteriorated since then, with United currently winless in three games following a friendly defeat to Salford, a 1-1 Premiership draw against Rangers and a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Hearts.
The Hearts result is particularly difficult preparation for Celtic. Dundee United were comprehensively beaten and now face an opponent whose attack suddenly looks considerably sharper than it did at the beginning of the campaign.
Celtic opened their league season with a rather laboured 1-0 victory against Dundee, but their second fixture was a completely different performance. They demolished Kilmarnock 5-1 away from home, with new striker Kasper Høgh scoring a first-half hat-trick. Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan completed the scoring.
Høgh’s emergence is particularly significant because Celtic looked short of attacking sharpness in the opener. If his performance at Rugby Park was an indication that he has already adjusted to Scottish football, Martin O’Neill suddenly has a formidable focal point around which to construct his attack.
Celtic have also strengthened further. German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur and winger Haissem Hassan have joined the club, with both available for the Dundee United tie. Hassan could receive his first minutes, while Høgh is expected to lead the line. Jota remains unavailable due to his cruciate ligament injury.
Dundee United have injury issues of their own, with Dario Naamo and Miller Thomson expected to miss out. Changes are also possible following the Hearts defeat, with Panutche Camara, Zac Sapsford and Mehdi Merghem among those pushing for starts.
One statistic should stop Celtic supporters becoming overly confident. Although Celtic have won 19 of their previous 26 meetings with Dundee United, both of United’s defeats of Celtic during that sequence came last season, when they recorded 2-1 and 2-0 league victories. Jim Goodwin therefore has recent evidence that his side can beat Scotland’s dominant team.
The context is different now. Celtic have started with consecutive competitive victories and arrive after scoring five, while Dundee United have just conceded four. Celtic should dominate possession, push Kieran Tierney into advanced positions and use the movement around Høgh to stretch United’s defensive line.
Another consideration is Celtic’s Champions League playoff against LASK shortly after this game. O’Neill may therefore manage minutes carefully once Celtic gain control, especially given the expanded squad at his disposal.
That possibility makes an enormous winning margin slightly less attractive than simply backing Celtic to progress in normal time. Dundee United are capable of competing aggressively at Tannadice, but their recent defensive performance against Hearts raises major concerns.
Celtic’s improved attacking options, stronger bench and current confidence should eventually prove decisive.
Prediction: Celtic to win
Alternative prediction: Celtic win & Over 1.5 goals
Goals prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Correct-score prediction: Dundee United 1-3 Celtic