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Dundeevs.Celtic

sportsmole.co.uk, 26 April 2024, 20:43
Celtic will try to extend their current six-match run without a defeat on Sunday when they travel to face Dundee as the second phase of the Scottish Premiership kicks off.

The hosts may not be involved in the title race with the Hoops, but they can earn a European place with their remaining games.

Match preview

Dundee have had a strong season so far, which has led to them being in the top half of the table when the division split to commence the second phase of the season as the run-in begins.

The Dark Blues head into this weekend on the back of consecutive draws, but considering the most recent was a goalless contest against Celtic's title rivals Rangers, they have shown their ability to get results against the top teams.

Tony Docherty's men will need to remain at their very best if they want to take any points this weekend, as the Hoops shall be looking to continue their consistent run due as the run-in heats up.

But Dundee have their own goals to achieve for the season's final matches, and fighting to earn European football for next season will undoubtedly be one of them.

They currently trail Kilmarnock by 10 points, and while that is catchable, there is little room for error if they want to try to reach that point.

The visitors have only one focus right now, and that is on retaining the Scottish Premiership, but their Old Firm rivals are certainly pushing them all the way at the moment.

The Hoops currently boast a three-point advantage over the Gers, and while they shall try to extend that, Brendan Rodgers will be aware that his team cannot slip up right now.

Celtic have been consistent lately, putting together a six-game run without a loss heading into this weekend, including an essential win during their most recent outing in the Scottish FA Cup.

They secured their place in the competition's final, where they will play Rangers, by defeating Aberdeen on penalties after a tough game that finished 3-3.

Celtic will need that fighting spirit in the remaining games, but the squad's experience of dealing with the run-in and winning the title could stand them in good stead.

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

W

L

D

D

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

W

W

D

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

W

Team News

Ricki Lamie, Owen Dodgson and Malachi Boateng were all brought into the Dundee starting XI to face Rangers, and after picking up an impressive point, there might not be any changes this time around.

However, Diego Pineda and Owen Beck are injury concerns for the Dark Blues, and neither is expected to feature this weekend.

The visitors are also dealing with several fitness issues, with James McCarthy remaining on the sidelines.

Daizen Maeda is dealing with a hamstring problem right now, although he is due back soon, while Liam Scales is also hurt.

Dundee possible starting lineup:

McCracken; Portales, Shaughnessy, Donnelly; McGhee, Cameron, Sylla, McCowan, Costelloe; Bakayoko, Tiffoney

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Taylor; O'Riley, Iwata, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Hyun-Jun

We say: Dundee 0-3 Celtic

Dundee might have kept consecutive clean sheets ahead of this Sunday, but competing against the highest-scoring team in the division could prove to be a test.

Celtic currently sit top of the league which is something they will not want to change, and they will likely put together a professional performance to win the game.

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