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Tough Terrors Test Awaits Bhoys

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Taz, Dec 4, 2021.

By Taz on Dec 4, 2021 at 8:54 AM
  1. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Tough Terrors Test Awaits Bhoys
    ~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
    Sunday, 5 December 2021
    12.00 GMT
    Tannadice Stadium

    After a narrow and tense battle with Hearts on Thursday, Celtic next turn their attention eastward, as they look set to face another stern test, as they take on Dundee United at Tannadice.

    The Tangerines, currently sitting in 4th on the table, have proven to be a difficult opponant to get the better of for Celtic in 2021, and Ange Postecoglou's men will need to be on their toes and ready for action, if they are to claim the three league points on offer and keep the momentum going, as the hunt to reclaim the league title this season continues.

    The last time they visited Tannadice, Celtic were in the midst of a stagnation that had crippled much of last season's campaign and by March seemingly were aimlessly treading water, as both sides played out a 0-0 draw.

    A lot has changed since then, and no small measure of that is due to the impact that Ange Postecoglou has had in revitalizing the team and re-energizing the support ever since.

    Even taking all that into account, Sunday's hosts have been one of the few stumbling blocks, when they held the Bhoys to a 1-1 draw at Parkhead - the only time in domestic competition this season where the Hoops have scored first and not gone on to win.

    [​IMG]
    Back in action: Tom Rogic quickly picked back up where he left off

    But that result in September at Celtic Park also seems to have served as a bit of a turning point however, as the Hoops have gone on an impressive run since then. Indeed, they've lost only the one match in all competitions (Leverkusen away) since then, and on the domestic front, have won 10 and drawn just once in that time.

    This season, the Terrors, who got off to a strong start, have struggled to convert some impressive performances recently into results, with them having secured just one win in their past six matches. But as most of those have been played away from home it can put some of that run into context, while they have been very solid on their own turf, winning five of their seven league clashes they've hosted so far this season.

    Ange Postecoglou has already said he expects a 'tough challenge' this weekend, but welcomed it at the same time.

    “It’s a good challenge. They frustrated us here and got a draw against us and away from home is always a good challenge. We’re expecting a tough game. But our away form has been really strong and we just need to continue."




    [​IMG]
    Carl Starfelt was highly impressive in his return to action against Hearts

    There was some consternation earlier in the week, whether the match would actually have to be postponed, due to the damage that Storm Arwen caused at Tannadice, but while the hosts have taken the measure to close one of it's stands, which has impacted the potential attendance, it is still expected that the allocation for the Celtic travelling fans will be in the region of 3,400 which should still provide a strong and vocal support for the Bhoys.

    Team News

    Despite both Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic returning from hamstring layoffs last night, the match also resulted in a trio of new hamstring concerns, to Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh and Jota. Following Thursday's match, Ange Postecoglou admitted that the greatest concern of these is in regards to Ralston, so it is hoped that Welsh and Jota's forced substitutions were largely precautionary.

    Meanwhile, after missing out on his first game since arriving on loan in August, Cameron Carter-Vickers will once again be available for selection, after sitting out against Hearts on Thursday, for 'personal reasons'.

    Elsewhere, Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and the big Frenchman, Christopher Julien, both of whom are recovering from knee issues and remain sidelined. While Julien has been in training for some weeks now, the team management and medical staff are being cautious, not wanting to risk a premature return, only to then face any further extend setbacks.

    But Postecoglou did reveal that the timeframe for Giakoumakis is roughly 'another 2-3 weeks', while Greg Taylor, not expected to return for this weekend, the manager was confident in the fullback being once again available from next week onward.

    With nine more games to be played between now and the 'winter break' in January, and with the squad being stretched as it has been so far this season, this is such a crucial period and will surely test the mettle of all.
    0
    [​IMG]
    Kyogo Furuhashi's contentious strike proved to be the winner on Thursday

    [​IMG]~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~ [​IMG]

    Overall
    P: 214 W: 125 D: 53 L: 36

    Away v Dundee Utd
    P: 104 W: 53 D: 23 L: 28

    Last 5 Meetings
    D D W W W

    Away v DUT
    D W W W W

    [​IMG] ~~~~ 2021/22 Form ~~~~ [​IMG]

    Overall
    W W L W W ~ L D W L L

    SPFL
    W W W D W ~ L D W L L

    CEL Away ~ DUT Home
    L W W W W ~ W L W W L
     
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