Brendan Rodgers singles out Jim Goodwin as Celtic prepare for firm Dundee United challenge

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Celtic take on Dundee United this weekend in what marks Brendan Rodgers’ first trip to Tannadice across two spells north of the border.

There is an element of confusion at the fact the Irishman hasn’t visited one of Scotland’s more established clubs, but they were absent from the top flight in either of his tenures and weren’t drawn out to face the Bhoys in either cup competition.

Evaluating team news, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed James Forrest has been ruled out for six weeks and misses the Tannadice clash, while Alistair Johnston could also fall short of making it in time.

Illness has also been present in the Celtic camp, which is hardly a phenomenon at this time of year, though it may affect who the manager has to choose from come Sunday at high noon.

Anticipation is building ahead of the Hoops’ return to Scottish Premiership action, and Rodgers has previewed what is set to be another exciting challenge for his group ahead of Christmas Day.

Brendan Rodgers on Dundee United and Jim Goodwin

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Rodgers complimented Jim Goodwin’s managerial style and admitted he is expecting a ‘tough challenge’ against a side who haven’t tasted defeat at home in the league since mid-October.

He stated: “A tough challenge, I’m really looking forward to going there. I’ve never been to Tannadice; I’ve not faced them as a manager.

“I know the history of Dundee United growing up following Celtic and what they were back then and how tough a place it was to go.

“I expect a tough game as well; Jim has organised his team ever so well; they mix the game up how they play, so we go there. We know that we have to be really good in the game, and that’s what we have to be.”

Celtic aiming to open up an even bigger gap at the summit

Aberdeen and Rangers are in action against Hibernian and Dundee on Saturday, which offers either the opportunity to drop points or close the gap on Celtic in the league standings.

However, the Bhoys are used to the pressure of winning, as shown with their Premier Sports Cup triumph at Hampden last weekend under the lights.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	15	14	1	0	44	4	40	43
2	AberdeenAberdeen	16	10	4	2	30	18	12	34
3	RangersRangers	15	10	2	3	27	9	18	32
4	MotherwellMotherwell	16	8	1	7	22	26	-4	25
5	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	16	6	6	4	25	19	6	24
6	ST MirrenST Mirren	17	6	3	8	22	28	-6	21

Three important points are at stake, and it will be intriguing to see if there are potential changes at Tannadice. Nevertheless, expect Rodgers to field a strong line-up to combat any notion of fatigue.

Celtic are in the mood to continue their unbeaten domestic streak, so hopefully, the Bhoys can deliver an early present before Santa comes calling!