Celtic v Dundee United – Team News, Referee Details, Kick-Off Time & Where to Watch
It’s one of those evenings where supporters will be keeping an eye on what’s happening elsewhere as Celtic take on Dundee United at Celtic Park knowing that if we take care of our own business points will be dropped by one or both of our nearest rivals who meet at Tynecastle…
A win for Hearts coupled with Martin O’Neill’s side taking the points against Dundee United, would increase the gap to seven points and that could be ten by the weekend with a win away to Falkirk, as the Rangers will be at Hampden playing Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
Celtic Team News
Martin O’Neill’s injury worries are easing, aside from Alistair Johnston who broke down again twenty minutes at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon after his three month lay-off through his latest hamstring injury. This time though the scan was fairly positive meaning that the Canadian international right-back should be available after next month’s international break.
Colby Donovan, who this week signed a new five year contract with the club, limped off to be replaced by AJ against Hibs, but thankfully he confirmed at his pre-match media conference yesterday afternoon that he is fine and so is available for selection this evening.
Cameron Carter-Vickers returned – replacing Alistair Johnston – at Easter Road and came through his own return to action without any issues.
Auston Trusty will miss tonight’s game as he returned home to the States following the sad passing of his father last week. Our thoughts remain with him and his family at this sad and difficult time.
Predicted Celtic Team
Martin O’Neill has signalled that Sam Johnstone will keep the gloves this evening as the manager continues his assessment of the former England goalkeeper that will allow him to make up his mind whether Johnston or Viljami Sinisalo will be his number one for the rest of the season.
Donovan and Kieran Tierney will be the full back with Liam Scales also starting. The question is whether Dane Murray, who was named in the SPFL Team of the Week, keeps his place or makes way for Cameron Carter-Vickers to start. I suspect that it will be the latter.
In the middle of the park, Celtic still haven’t found the answers, with Callum McGregor, Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren who is fine offensively but poor in the press. Options are limited for Martin O’Neill who appreciates the importance of Nygren goal threat.
Perhaps it would be worth resting Callum McGregor and giving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a rare start? While many supporters would welcome that suggestion it’s unlikely to happen and dropping Nygren to the bench, especially at home, doesn’t make much sense, so expect the same again selection with the same issues remaining unresolved.
Kasper Hogh started at Easter Road, missed a few good chances and looked exasperated as his scoring drought since Rugby Park back in August continues. Meanwhile Camilo Duran scored his tenth goal of the season at Easter Road and is likely to replace the Danish striker through the middle tonight.
That will open the door for Haissem Hassan to start on the right with Callum Osmand retaining his place on the left hand side of the Celtic attack.
Celtic Manager’s View on Dundee United
“I’ve got a lot of time for the manager. A lot of time for him. He was a young kid here. He didn’t play because he wasn’t good enough! I think I was the first one to get him all those grey hairs. But a lot of time for him. He’s a really fine manager. How he dealt with the pitch away back in March was just brilliant! But really, a lot of time for him,” Martin O’Neill stated at yesterday’s pre-match media conference.
He added: “Well, Dundee United, look at their history. They are a very fine football club. Yes, they’ve got the history to prove that.”
Match Officials
The Scottish FA has confirmed that Steven MacLean will have the whistle tonight at Celtic Park and will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and David Dunne both running the lines. Chris Graham is the VAR and will be assisted back at Clydesdale House by Sean Carr.
Kick-off Time
The Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United takes place at Celtic Park this evening, Wednesday 28 October and kicks off at 7.45pm.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game is NOT being shown on either Sky Sports or Premier Sports but there is a Pay Per View (PPV) option available from CelticPlayer for supporters based in Britain and Ireland with a Match Passes costing £12.99 or £9.99 for subscribers using the access details emailed to you. You can order HERE.
As usual Celtic TV will be showing the match live for subscribers based outside of Britain and Ireland.
Highlights will be shown on Sportscene on the BBC One Scotland channel at 10.40pm where you can also catch the highlights from the game at Tynecastle.
Predicted Score
There’s goals in this Celtic team – domestically at least and hopefully Sam Johnstone can get his first clean sheet this evening. Kasper Hogh coming off the bench to get his long overdue fourth Celtic goal to seal an impressive 3-0 win for the Champions. That will do us all nicely!
