DOWN BUT NOT DUN YET​

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 front of goal.

Scott McDonald: Burdened. ​

Strachan is expected to persist with his favoured 4-4-2, with Vennegoor of Hesselink likely to partner Scott McDonald up front once again. Time after time this season, Celtic's Australian top-scorer has hauled The Bhoys from the jaws of defeat with crucial goals. The burden was telling against Rangers, and expectation will be shared with the returning PFA Player of the Year, Scott Brown. The former Hibee has found his purpose after a season in flux and has truly excelled. He will replace one of Paul Hartley or Marc Crosas, neither of whom will have cause for complaint following an ineffective showing at Ibrox. Barry Robson may also be in contention.

Supporters were surprised if not bemused by the decision to include Shaun Maloney at the expense of Aiden McGeady, and while their manager was in no mood to explain his decision, he may back-track and re-instate McGeady on the left flank. Maloney had not played prior to Saturday since December and while looking eager, struggled to make an impact on his return. Shunsuke Nakamura should be fit to keep his place on the right of midfield and in defence the only selection issue is whether to favour the more attack minded Lee Naylor over converted centre-half Darren O’Dea.

Francisco Sandaza: Dangerous record.​

Dundee United - chasing a UEFA Cup berth - will see the return of Spanish striker Francisco Sandaza who has found great joy against Celtic in the SPL, scoring 3 goals in the two ties. He is set to replace Warren Feeney in attack. Paul Caddis who is currently on loan from Celtic is set to miss out while club captain Lee Wilkie returns from suspension.

Craig Levein's side have impressed this season, and since the split the former Leicester manager has spoke of his attacking intentions. Following the 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road: "I think it's the right philosophy. Certainly, our games should be entertaining between now and the end of the season and I'll take that type of [attacking] performance every week, even if we don't win." And while Celtic chase the rapidly disappearing dream of 4 in a row, Levein is unsympathetic: “I have no interest in who wins the league, all I’m focused on is getting the points we need to catch Hearts. Celtic’s defeat on Saturday makes no difference to us – we’ll go there, be positive and try to win the game.”

Worrying words for a Celtic side who have yet to beat United over the course of 90 minutes this season. And while Strachan will be looking to his big-game players and big home support to overpower the Arabs, one eye will undoubtedly be on the situation at the other side of Glasgow.


Venue: Celtic Park Date: Tuesday 12 May Kick-off: 1945 BST

Celtic (from): Boruc, Hinkel, Loovens, Caldwell, O'Dea, Brown, Naylor, Nakamura, Hartley, Crosas, Maloney, McGeady, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Samaras, McDonald, Mark Brown, Misun, Flood, Robson.

Dundee United(from): Zaluska, Dillon, Grainger, Dixon, Dods, Wilkie, Kenneth, Kovacevic, D Robertson, S Robertson, Gomis, Buaben, Swanson, Shala, Sandaza, Goodwillie, Conway, McGovern.

MDG