Hoops to Down Dees at Dens

Hoops to Down Dees at Dens
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Cameron Carter-Vickers scores the opener in the 7-1 win against Dundee in February


ScotFoam Stadium, Dundee
Sunday, 28 April 2024
15.00 BST​

Celtic are back in Premiership action this week, when they travel across the country to take on Dundee at the currently heavily scrutinized Dens Park, looking to at the very least maintain, if not extend, their lead at the top of the table.

The Hoops have won all 3 previous meetings this season, including when these sides last met, back in February, with the Bhoys smashing a comprehensive 7-1 victory, including no less than 6 first half goals.

Indeed, Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed considerable success against Dundee over the years, with 11 wins and a draw from 12 previous encounters, and will be looking to add another success to that, come Sunday.

The Hoops have scored at least 3 goals in each of their last 6 matches (including two Scottish Cup games), which would indicate that the attack does seem to be clicking at the right time, but two 3-3 results in their last 3 games, and just 2 clean sheets in the league since January will give some cause for concern going into this final stretch.


James Forrest made a big impact from off the bench in last week's Scottish Cup Semi-Final

Dundee have made a big impression on many since their promotion to the Premiership this season, and that was cemented with their securing a top 6 finish, which is a huge testament to Tony Docherty and the Dens Park club as a whole.​

It is not always easy for promoted clubs to adjust to life in the top division, but the Dark Blues have done that with a degree of comfort and have never really looked threatened at any stage of the campaign, and could still potentially overtake St Mirren to * European football in 2024/25.

While the Dens Park pitch has been the subject of a lot of scrutiny and criticism after multiple games have been forced to be postponed due to waterlogging and drainage issues, hopefully that will not be a concern ahead of Sunday's kickoff.

Noone needs reminding that the last time Dundee took to the pitch they held Sevco to a 0-0 draw, underlining just how much nothing can be taken for granted.

For Celtic, it is absolutely essential that they secure all 3 points, however comprehensive or narrow, a win is a must, especially with just 4 games of the season remaining after this, every single result is vital and there is little scope for anything less.​

By the Numbers​

• Celtic have been undefeated by the Dark Blues, home or away, since May 2001.

• The Bhoys have won the last 9 straight meetings between these sides - and have scored at least 3 goals in 8 of those games.

• Dundee have lost just twice at home since the Bhoys' 3-0 win there on Boxing Day, with just Hearts and Motherwell departing Dens Park with all 3 points after that.

• The Taysiders have kept 4 clean sheets in the league since the Winter Break - which is more than the Bhoys have (3).

February: Daizen Maeda was one of seven Celts that scored when these sides last met

Team News

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daizen Maeda has returned to training after his recent lay-off, and while the forward will not be available for this weekend, that is undoubtedly good news for the remaining fixtures of the title run-in.

As for the Dark Blues, it was revealed through the week that skipper Joe Shaughnessy will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee problem, while on loan Liverpool fullback Owen Beck is also ruled out ahead of Sunday, while manager Tony Docherty will be absent from the dugout, as he serves a touchline ban.

Referee: John Beaton

This is the 6th time Beaton has been appointed to a game involving Celtic this season - at least two more than any other official - and the previous two occasions have resulted in draws, against Kilmarnock and Sevco.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:54 W:40 D:11 L:3

VAR: Andrew Dallas​

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 257 W: 154 D: 60 L: 43​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W W W

~~~~ 2023/24 Form ~~~~ ​

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

SPFL
W D W W L ~ D D L W W​