Premiership giants Celtic will be hoping to continue their improving league form when they face off against Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday afternoon. The Hoops are coming into this clash on the back of a rather comfortable 3-0 win against Hamilton on the weekend, where goals from Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and David Turnbull handed Neil Lennon’s men the all-important three points. Considering the form that the Celts have been displaying over the last couple of months, that win would’ve been a massive boost.
The win means that Celtic have managed to keep the gap between themselves and Old Firm rivals Rangers to 16 points, with Neil Lennon’s men having a whopping three games in hand as well. Whether or not they’re able to maintain this form for the remainder of the season is something that only time will tell, but as far as football goes, their win against Hamilton was a rather comfortable one. Dundee United are currently sat at 5th place on the table, a whole 11 points behind Hibernian, who are just one place above them in 4th.
Team News
Neil Lennon’s men don’t have that many injury concerns to deal with right now, with the only long-term issue that of James Forrest. The speedster has been absent for over a couple of months now, and the energy and enthusiasm that he tends to produce in the wide areas have been heavily missed. Despite this, the return of Mikey Johnston to fitness would’ve come as a boost to Neil Lennon’s plans. Christopher Jullien missed the weekend match with a slight knee issue, but he should be fit enough to make it back for the game against United in midweek.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Dundee United:
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Dundee United
Defence
After trying his hand with both Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain over the opening weeks of the season, Neil Lennon was quick to realise that neither would be able to give him the consistency that was required. Instead, young Conor Hazard has now be instated as the first-choice shot-stopper. In front of him, expect to see Christopher Jullien making his return to the eleven alongside Kristoffer Ajer, after the former missed the weekend clash with a knee problem. Diego Laxalt is another player who could make his way back into the eleven, with Jeremie Frimpong over on the other side.
Midfield
Ismaila Soro has been nothing short of a revelation since coming into the side earlier this month, and it does look like he has made one of the two holding midfield roles his own. Not only has he added some much needed energy while attacking, but his defensive work-rate and movement are important too. With Scott Brown now sat on the bench, Callum McGregor is the man who should partner Soro in the core of the side. Despite his inconsistency, McGregor tends to be the Celts’ biggest creative outlet on his day, and that should alone be enough to keep him in the eleven.
Attack
Although Leigh Griffiths has been on the fringes of the team for a while now, his goal on the weekend might just have gone a long way towards earning him a place in Neil Lennon’s starting lineup. Expect the experienced forward to lead the line, with Odsonne Edouard operating on the flank instead. David Turnbull has also been quite sensational since he was given a proper run in the team, and the Scot is likely to keep his place in the number ten role. With no natural right winger to choose from, Ryan Christie is expected to continue down that flank as well.
