Celtic v Dundee Utd
Football : Scottish Premier League
Saturday 13/08/2011 - Kickoff 15.00 (local)

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Celtic

Celtic were dealt a massive blow to their title campaign last week with the news that their highly rated attacking leftback, Emilo Izaguirre fractured his ankle and will be out of action for at least 4 to 6 months. He really has been the key to many of their victories and will undoubtedly be missed.

The midweek internationals didn't really go any better for them either with captain Scott Brown having to be subbed off for Scotland and Israeli internationalist Kayal now injured for this game after being on the recieving end of a Drogba tackle. A little bit of shuffling the pack will be required by Lennon but he has the cover at his disposal.

This is Celtic's first home game of the season after negotiating what could have been a tricky start to the season with away wins at Hibs and Aberdeen. Manager Neil Lennon will be pleased but will realise that his players are still not quite playing at their top level.



Possible Celtic Lineup :
Zaluska, Wilson, Majstrorovic, Matthews, Mulgrew, Ki, Ledley, Forrest, Commons, Stokes, Hopper (4-4-2)

Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd were also dealt a hammer blow last weekend when midfielder and utility man Scott Severin sustained a triple leg brake and is out almost certainly for the season. Although I fear it may call an end to his career. In typical Severin style he actually tried to stand up before he realised he was in serious trouble.

Despite the loss of David Goodwillie Dundee Utd have been playing well with two draws and an away win so far in the league. They have built a fairly solid defence and now have a bit of craft in midfield with little Willo Flood and this week there is the possibility of winger Swanson returning to the team. The two upfront, Daly and Russell are always likely to cause problems but they will need the supply to come from midfield which may be a problem area for United as I fear Celtic will be dominate in the middle.

Some encouragement will come from the fact that in the same fixture last season they did manage a draw at Celtic Park but I would put that more down to a late defensive error from Celtic.



Possible Dundee Utd lineup :
Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Swanson, Flood, Rankin, Watson, Allan, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)

THE BETTING VERDICT

I have had a look back at the last 10 years of this fixture and although Dundee Utd have never won they have had their fair share of draws in the last 5 years.

There is no doubt that Celtic will miss Kayal for this match if he doesn't play as he is the one that keeps the ball moving and makes them tick. Ki Sung-Yueng is more than capable of playing this role also though.

Dundee Utd are a hard team to break down but I think Celtic will have too many attacking options for them and they will be spurred on by a full house behind them.

I'm taking Cetic to get the job down and win by a couple of goals. There is risk as Dundee Utd are up there as one of the potential upsets for the old firm but I believe the Celtic players and particularly Neil Lennon are now more than aware how important every game is and especially not to slip up at home.

The Pick :

Celtic 2-0 Dundee Utd

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Celtic 75% - Draw 15% - Dundee Utd 10%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Big hitters should take the Celtic win available at 1.30

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Bet :
Celtic to beat the -1.5 goal handicap