For the second time in four seasons, Celtic are set to secure the title at Tannadice. Sitting fifteen points clear at the summit, should the boys earn a draw or more, four in a row will be secured. Their opponents, Dundee United, are in a three-way battle for third place and will be looking to give nothing away. How will the Celts set up against the hungry Tangerines? We answer just that on Last Word on Football, with our Celtic predicted lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Dundee United
How Celtic Have Lined Up Recently
In a 5-0 routing of St Johnstone, Viljami Sinsalo started between the sticks. The Finn had very little to do.
In defence, Alistair Johnson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor took to the field.
It’s been somewhat of a turnaround from Scales. After a horror show display at Ibrox last January, the Irishman had found game time hard to come by. However, he has started the previous two games, and while little has been asked of him defensively, he has performed well in possession. He may not get the assist, but it was his line-breaking pass for Reo Hatate that made the third goal of the afternoon.
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In midfield, Callum McGregor, Hatate and Arne Engels played.
It was a vintage performance from McGregor as he registered his tenth goal of the season. The Captain hasn’t played consistently as an eight for four seasons, and not as a ten since Brendan Rodgers’ first spell. Yet, this season he has proven that his attacking instincts remain. It was a wonderful all-round midfield performance, as he dropped deep to link the play, whilst was positive in his passing. Against the man-to-man structure, he consistently found space in the attacking third and showed great composure to break the deadlock.
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Up front, James Forrest, Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda formed a trio.
Just a few months from his 34th birthday, Forrest revealed why he can still contribute to this Celtic team. He showed variation in his dribbling, going to the by-line to provide a cross, or cutting in to create an opening for himself. His ball control and decision-making are first class and he brings a real balance to the Champions’ attack.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Scottish Cup Semi-Final was an excellent occasion. The sun was shining, and only a helpless St Johnstone stood in the way of a hungry treble-chasing Celtic side. After months of essentially non-consequential league games, the bite was back, the occasion called for no mercy.
Up against another man-to-man system, Celtic controlled the game early on. The rotation of their midfield was on point, with Hatate and McGregor seemingly impossible to pin down. As mentioned, it allowed the latter to vacate space in more attacking areas. The minute the first strike hit the back of the net, Rodgers’ men smelled blood.
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The out of possession hunger was ever evident. Three-nil up in half-time stoppage time, the Bhoys press a St Johnstone goal kick, with Johnson winning his duel. The reward? Yet another goal for Maeda.
Injuries to Consider
Kasper Schmeichel and Dane Murray remain unavailable. It’s unclear whether Yang will make the squad in time.
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Celtic Predicted Lineup
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Liam Scales
Greg Taylor
Callum McGregor
Reo Hatate
Arne Engels
James Forrest
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda
