Preview: Celtic vs. Dundee United - prediction, team news, lineups

Celtic head into their Scottish Premiership encounter with Dundee United on Wednesday hoping to extend their winning run in all competitions to six matches.

Meanwhile, the Tangerines, who drew 1-1 against Motherwell in their last match, are looking for their first win at Celtic Park since 1993.

Match preview

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Neil Lennon labelled his Celtic side "outstanding" as they comfortably beat Hamilton 3-0 away from home on Boxing Day.

Second-half strikes from Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and David Turnbull secured the three points and extended their winning streak to five matches in all competitions, albeit the Scottish Cup final win over Hearts was on penalties.

The Hoops have now won their last three Scottish Premiership matches, scoring seven goals and keeping three clean sheets.

Celtic however still remain 16 points behind rivals Rangers at the top of the table, but do have three games in hand, including a trip to Ibrox on January 2.

The Hoops head into their match with Dundee United having won each of their last six league games against them since a 2-1 defeat in December 2014 under former boss Ronny Deila.

Lennon will be hoping his side can maintain their good run of form by securing the three points on Wednesday with the Old Firm derby coming up this weekend.

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Top goalscorer Nicky Clark came off the bench to rescue a point in added time for Dundee United as they drew 1-1 at home to Motherwell on Saturday.

Manager Micky Mellon heaped praise on the 29-year-old, who has now reached double figures in all competitions this season, scoring 47% of Dundee United's goals in the Scottish Premiership.

The Tangerines are now unbeaten in their last three league matches but are without a win in their last seven away league games, having scored just twice in this run.

United also have a terrible record against the Hoops, having lost nine of their last 10 away league visits to Celtic Park, with Wednesday's trip their first since a 5-0 thrashing back in 2015.

Mellon's men were able to hold Celtic until the 83rd minute in their last meeting when they narrowly lost 1-0 back in August and the United boss will be hoping that his side can stay in the game for as long as possible once again.

A surprise victory in midweek could see the Tangerines move within eight points of fourth placed Hibernian if they were to lose at home to Ross County.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form: WDDWWW

Celtic form (all competitions): DWWWWW

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form: WLLDWD

Dundee United form (all competitions): WLLDWD

Team News

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Celtic defender Christopher Jullien is a doubt for Wednesday as he has a slight knee issue, while winger James Forrest remains out with an ankle injury.

Goalkeeper Conor Hazard, who has started the last five matches and has kept three clean sheets, is likely to remain as Lennon's number one ahead of Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain.

Forward Leigh Griffiths, who has scored eight goals in his last five Scottish Premiership appearances against Dundee United, is set to remain in the side up front with Odsonne Edouard.

Dundee United midfielders Logan Chalmers (ankle) and Declan Glass (knee) both remain sidelined with injuries.

Striker Nicky Clark is expected to start up front alongside either Lawrence Shankland or Marc McNulty after coming off the bench to score against Motherwell.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hazard; Frimpong, Bitton, Ajer, Laxalt; Soro; Christie, McGregor, Elyounoussi; Griffiths, Edouard

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Siegrist; Smith, Connolly, Reynolds, Robson; McMullan, Butcher, Fuchs, Bolton; Shankland, Clark

We say: Celtic 2-0 Dundee United

Dundee United will be keen to avenge their defeat at the start of the season against Celtic, however the Hoops have looked stronger in recent weeks at both ends of the pitch and should secure the three points on Wednesday.

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