TalkCeltic - The Ultimate Celtic FC Forum

After the disappointment of defeat to arch-rivals Rangers at the weekend, the SPL Champions find themselves on top of the League table following on from events midweek.

Saturday’s performance at Ibrox showed little in terms of attacking finesse from Gordon Strachan’s men – the Celtic gaffer himself proclaiming: “There were a lot of things we did right, we just couldn’t put the ball into the net.” Strachan also encountered widespread criticism following his decision to start the powder keg encounter with Shaun Maloney, with wing-wizard Aiden McGeady relegated to a berth on the bench.

Goals from Glenn Loovens and Georgios Samaras handed a crucial 3 points to Celtic, and put them back to the top of the pile in Scotland for at least 24 hours.

True to form, Dundee United didn't make it easy for the reigning champions in a tense game at Parkhead.

Gordon Strachan made four changes to the side after Saturday's defeat at Ibrox. Out went Vennegoor of Hesselink, Hartley, O'Dea and Maloney - replaced by Samaras, Brown, Naylor and McGeady.

Celtic made a nervy start to the game but looked a real threat when they moved the ball quickly, with McGeady and Brown making probing runs at the United defence.

The game, and crowd, really got going after Samaras' left-foot strike beat Celtic-bound 'keeper Zaluska - but not the post.

Dundee United had their chances as well, with a Sandaza header needing a good reflex save from Artur Boruc. Shortly after, Celtic took the lead when Glenn...

Following the agony at Ibrox on Saturday, the Champions will be looking to take their frustration out on Dundee United tonight at Celtic Park. The Tangerines suffered woes of their own in their previous fixture at home to Aberdeen, where they battled for a point in an explosive encounter that could have went either way.

While Celtic manager Gordon Strachan praised the performance of his men against Rangers, he is acutely aware that further profligacy in front of goal will surely spell the end of his title defence.

"We must try to score goals against Dundee United. I can throw all sorts of stats at you, but the fact is you must score goals to win games of football.” While the supporter's deliberate over such sage wisdom, the question still remains – where will the goals come from? Rarely has a Celtic side enjoyed so much of the ball at Ibrox and rarely have they looked so toothless in...

Celtic have lost the initiative in the fight for the title with only 3 games left to play after losing 1-0 to their arch rivals Rangers at Ibrox Stadium.


In a game that would have done little to enhance the image of Scottish football the 37th minute close range strike from the Rangers midfielder Steven Davis was enough to secure victory for the light blues.



The game started in hectic...

The final derby game of the season comes to Ibrox this Saturday for Setanta's 12.30pm live offering from the SPL this weekend. The race for the title looks like reaching an intriguing finale with 4 games remaining for both title combatants Celtic and Rangers, with this game in particular the definition of the infamous 6 pointer. Both managers have several crucial decisions to make with regards to team selection and formation, with each side having enforced absentees and injuries to contend with in what could very well be a title decider. Here we will look at each team in isolation;

Celtic

Manager - Gordon Strachan


The 3 in a row title winner won the tactical battle the last time both sides met with a...