Celtic to open the Flood gates?​

After a confidence-boosting 3-1 league victory against Hibernian at the weekend, SPL Champions Celtic will be looking to secure a place in the league Cup final with victory over Craig Levein’s Dundee United side this Wednesday.

Levein’s side currently sit 3rd in the SPL table, and have had an excellent season thus far. Midfielder Scott Robertson – out at present with a suspected hernia injury – has performed admirably for one so inexperienced at this level, earning himself an International Cap in the process. In the interim, on-loan midfielder Willo Flood has continued the rich vein of form he has shown during his time at Tannadice.

Flood - on his way to the Bhoys?​

So promising have Flood’s displays been that Celtic have tested Cardiff’s resolve with an enquiry about the player who is out of contract at the end of the season. A lifelong Celtic fan, Flood has already conceded that a move to the Bhoys would be “a dream,” and Levein will be left cursing his luck if he loses yet another cog in his midfield machine. United’s chase to finish in 3rd place, guaranteeing European football next season, has been heavily reliant on Robertson and Flood thus far. Losing both of them in such a short period of time would be utterly catastrophic for the Arab’s cause.

For the Bhoys, defensive errors have been on the tip of many tongues around Celtic Park of late; a shambolic display at Pittodrie two weeks ago – when Gordon Strachan’s men shipped an unprecedented four goals against a jubilant Aberdeen side – exemplified Celtic’s frailties at the back. Despite the more recent win against Hibs, the concession of a goal to Rob Jones, again via a set piece, shows there is much work to be done if this unfortunate habit is to be dispatched.

Many differing reasons have been put forward with regards to the concession of a staggering 25 goals this season; Artur Boruc has not been at his exhilarating best, Strachan’s zonal marking policy has been called into question, as has the role of Captain Stephen McManus who has been widely criticised for the standard of his performances this season. The fact is that ALL of these are contributory factors, as well as the lack of consistency concerning choices along the back line.

McManus - heavily criticised of late.​

The left-back berth in particular has been an oft-discussed problem which will need to be addressed; whether young Milan Misun, recently recruited from FK Pribram, is the immediate answer is debatable. One thing is for certain, however – Levein’s United side are a team capable of capitalising on any weakness, and the outcome of the game could well hinge on the success of Celtic’s back unit when combating the combined aerial threat of Jon Daly and Warren Feeney.

Jon Daly - Provides an undoubted threat.​

The return to fitness of both Marc Crosas and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink after long-term injury has come at a perfect time for Strachan and Celtic; Vennegoor’s movement and pace are often called into question, but the talismanic Dutchman has an uncanny knack of scoring decisive goals when his team needs them. Crosas brings with him composure and a range of passing that has been missed during his absence – the cultured midfielder has a substantial role to play in the coming weeks and months.

Meanwhile, both Scott Brown and Scott McDonald will be looking to continue their impressive seasons which have assisted the Hoops greatly in their pursuit of four-in-a-row. Last season’s top goalscorer McDonald has not been as prolific as he was in the previous term, but his all-round game has improved markedly earning him great acclaim. At the same time, Brown continues to go from strength to strength, justifying the lofty price tag Celtic paid for him back in 2007.

Brown - Imperious this season.​

After a traumatic year, where he encountered personal tragedy, it is wonderful to see Brown thriving in a team which – with every passing week – further revolves around his industry in midfield.

The hunt for a domestic treble continues unabated; a tournament which Celtic have faltered in during Strachan’s reign offers an opportunity for a Cup Final, and the chance to defeat arch-rivals Rangers, winning the first silverware of the season in the process.