IT'S the second match out of four between this pair in the space of two weeks. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) looks at Round 2.
Dundee Utd v Celtic | Sunday 15:00
It's the League Cup Final and this game provides Celtic manager Ronny Delia with a chance to pick up his first silverware since he took over as boss in the summer, and I can't see his side fluffing their lines.
As mentioned above, these sides are involved in a four-part battle in the league and two cup competitions in a two week burst at the moment. Dundee United, who've had a poor 2015 you'd have to say, may just have had their chance last week in that raucous Scottish Cup tie. 1-0 up for a large part of the game, they eventually conceded when reduced to nine men late on in the game.
The Arabs have to play without their talismanic striker Nadir Ciftci on Sunday who is suspended, and that is a massive blow. He's the third highest scorer in the Premiership this season and it's two months since they've won in the league without him scoring.
In truth, since Dundee United lost Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong to Celtic in mid-January the team have struggled. Their record since February dawned is P6 W1 D2 L3, and that win came against League One Stranraer in the Scottish Cup.
Dundee United flopped in the Scottish Cup Final last season to St Johnstone and that might play on their minds, it's also worth pointing out it's 22 years since United beat Celtic away from Tannadice and the champions have lost just one Cup Final in the last 20 years to anyone bar Rangers.
I can't see any shock on Sunday, and neither can the bookmakers with Celtic chalked up at 17/40 to win in 90 minutes. The drive for this team to provide their new manager with a trophy will be strong and I'll take a comfortable Celtic win here.
I couldn't put anyone off backing Celtic -1, but I'll be more adventurous and back them -2 on the handicap at 3/1 with Sportingbet. You'll remember Celtic beat United 6-1 in August yeah? I'll also chuck a quid on an adventurous 4-0 win at 14/1 with BetVictor.
Best Bets
Dundee Utd v Celtic – Celtic -2 (3/1 Sportingbet)
Dundee Utd v Celtic – Celtic to win 4-0 (14/1 BetVictor)
Celtic 4/1 To Beat Dundee Utd
Wow! This is a good one. New Betfair players get 4/1 on Celtic beating Dundee United on Sunday. Remember United haven't beaten them away from Tannadice since 1993!
