Celtic’s winning streak in domestic football continued with a win against Hamilton Academical in the midweek. It was not at all a typical Celtic kind of performance. They could only manage a 1-0 win against a struggling Hamilton side but three points are three points. You simply cannot win every game with a one-sided margin. Sometimes, you need to win ugly and narrow. In fact, that is a quality of the champions.
They have now won 13 domestic games on the trot, a run which has seen them clinch the Scottish League Cup and open a massive gap at the top of the Premiership table. They are 11 points clear at the top of the table ahead of their arch rivals. Keeping Celtic’s poor showings in the Champions League aside, Brendan Rodgers has been a massive success at Parkhead already.
Dundee started the season in terrible form as they won their opening game but then failed to win any of their next ten games. They have improved since, with three wins from their last six games, but are not expected to take anything from this game. They failed to score a single goal in their last five games against Celtic. From what it seems, Celtic should manage to win this game convincingly.
Team news
Celtic
Young left back Kieran Tierney is still out with his ruptured cruciate ligament. James Forrest should also miss the game. Scott Sinclair and Kris Commons are both back in training and could make the matchday squad.
Dundee
Centre back James McPake and holding midfielder Mark O’Hara are out injured for Dundee.
Predicted lineups
Celtic (3-5-2): Gordon; Lustig, Simunovic, Sviatchenko; Roberts, Brown, Rogic, Armstrong, McGregor; Dembele, Griffiths
Dundee (3-5-2): Bain; O’Dea, Gadzhalov, Gomis; Kerr, McGowan, Curran, Hateley, Holt; Haber, Wighton
Key players
Celtic- Tom Rogic
Rogic is the lynchpin of the Celtic side with his excellent creativity and movement. The Aussie has often turned out to be the saviour for the hoops with late and crucial goals. The young playmaker will be the Celtic player to watch out for on Saturday when the Bhoys lock horns with Dundee.
Dundee- Paul McGowan
Former Celtic midfielder McGowan will be looking to hurt his former employers back when Dundee travel to Parkhead. Rodgers’ Celtic side will look to take control of the midfield and break down the Dundee defence. McGowan has to be at the top of his game to prevent the Hoops from bossing the midfield.
Odds
Celtic win @1/8
Draw @7/1
Dundee @20/1
