Celtic face Dundee United tomorrow, and it’s fair to say our next opponents have had a tough week.
On Boxing Day, Bhoys supporters joined the choruses of tributes for former Dundee United boss Jim McLean. The legendary coach led the Terriers to a league title (BBC), as well as significant European triumphs (Guardian).
A bolshy, charismatic coach with immense longevity, McLean was a Scottish football icon.
Celtic have the unenviable position of taking on Dundee United in their first game since the passing of McLean. It seems doubly unfair that United supporters won’t be able to enter Tannadice on a day like tomorrow (Courier).
Still, football rumbles on. McLean was not the kind of man who would’ve wanted the game to stop on his account. As Celtic look to build on recent momentum, the Terrors sit 5th. They’ll be looking to build on a late point against Motherwell.
It’ll be another tricky tie for the Bhoys; here’s how we expect Dundee United to look tomorrow.
Two up front?
Dundee United have used a variety of shapes so far this season. They started the season using a 3-5-2 but have Mickey Mellon has more recently lined up his side with two banks of four.
They haven’t exactly been the most entertaining team to watch on their return to the top-flight. Still, they have significant fire-power up front. Playing a two-striker formation of any kind indicates just that.
Much was expected of Lawrence Shankland in the Premiership this season. With 3 goals in 13 league starts, he hasn’t had quite the impact many thought (WhoScored?). The Scotland international hasn’t exactly been teeing up his strike partners either, laying on just one assist.
That said, he’s looked sharper alongside Australian striker Marc McNulty, as their recent exploits against struggling Kilmarnock showed (BBC). McNulty’s goal in that game was particularly impressive, as he slalomed past two defenders before slamming the ball home with a precise finish.
They’ve also got Nicky Clark, who rescued a point against Motherwell the other night. The former Rangers man has 8 in 18 Premiership games (Transfermarkt). Regardless of the shape behind them, United have options up front.
Celtic can take advantage of leaky defence
Currently sitting 5th in the Premiership, Dundee United’s defence has been breached more than any other side in the top 6 (BBC), aside from Livingston.
At the time of writing, Mellon’s men have conceded 24 goals in 20 games. In Mellon’s 4-4-2 shape, United have conceded 1 per match over 6 games, but they’ve won 3 of those fixtures and lost only once.
With Mark Reynolds and Ryan Edwards as the likely centre-back pairing tomorrow, there’s good experience available to Mellon. However, there isn’t a great deal of pace.
If Lennon persists with a front-two of Edouard and Griffiths, with Turnbull and Christie making runs into channels, there’s a speed disadvantage to make use of.
Jamie Robson and Liam Smith may represent the future for Dundee United in the full-back positions. However, they’ve been got at in recent matches. They’ve had a busy time of it so far this season; Robson is making 1.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, while Smith is making 1.7 of each (WhoScored?).
Celtic have the weapons to threaten any defence in the league. This isn’t news. But if the wings can be won with the dynamic movement of Frimpong and either Laxalt or Elyounoussi, then Celtic could feasibly score 2 or 3 tomorrow.
That’s if potentially Celtic-bound Benjamin Siegrist isn’t absolutely unbeatable tomorrow…
A threat late on
Dundee United have rescued a point in 2 of the last 6 games. Against Hibs, it was Luke Bolton whose late goal did the business (WhoScored?). We’ve covered the Motherwell match already.
The point being? There’s clearly no problem with fitness or stamina in Mellon’s side. With Celtic surrendering second-half leads in recent months, the key to this match will be seeing out an advantage.
Neil Lennon may be forced to make defensive substitutions late in this match to avoid the same fate as Jack Ross or Stephen Robinson.
Ajer has seen a lot of game time, while Jullien missed the win over Hamilton. In-game management may require one of Nir Bitton, Stephen Welsh or Shane Duffy to help Celtic see the game out.
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