CELTIC welcome Dundee United to Parkhead on Wednesday after taking an even bigger stranglehold on the title during the weekend.
The Hoops restored their huge lead back to 13 points after they sauntered to a bloodless win against St Mirren and Rangers reverted to type by dropping points yet again on their travels after a 3-3 draw with Hibs in the capital.
Celtic enjoyed over 75 per cent of possession against the Saints and you can expect a similar showing against United in midweek. It was the expected reaction from that tame Old Firm defeat at Ibrox.
They are still not quite fitting on all cylinders but they really don't have to be the vast majority of the time and they can win easily on cruise mode
United's recent excellent run came to an end as they lost at home to Hearts at Tannadice in a sluggish display and perhaps it was all their exertions of recent events that caught up with them.
But they still remain in third place and this is pretty much a free hit for them in the champions' backyard.
How the bookies view it: United massive price for a shock
Celtic are 1/6 with Boylesports with Dundee United available at a huge 11/1 with the same firm. The draw is 6/1 with Ladbrokes.
Recent head to heads:
United held Celtic to an extremely hard-fought draw at Tannadice a few weeks ago in a goalless encounter.
However, United haven't defeated Celtic for 11 years and the last time they won at Parkhead was in 1993!
Players to watch: Sam can Wrex havoc
Nicolas Kuhn netted a double against St Mirren to continue his excellent season. The German is on nine goals for the season and is 7/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Dundee United's on loan Wrexham striker Sam Dalby is the Premiership's top scorer with ten goals and if you are going to back a United scorer, it would be him at 7/2 to net anytime with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Celtic have James Forrest missing but are otherwise at full strength.
United are injury and suspension free and manager Jim Goodwin could make changes after their defeat to Hearts.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Strain, Ferry, Docherty, Sevelj, Stephenson, Middleton, Dalby.
Anything else catch the eye?
United have a good habit this season of keeping it tight and they could be a tough nut for Celtic to crack, although they surely will.
Celtic should get the job done with a clean sheet and backing them to win to nil at an odds-against price with Boylesports of 21/20 looks a solid shout.
If you look at United's defeats all season, the only time they have lost by more than a goal was on the first day of the season in the League Cup at Falkirk.
They get a three-goal start in the handicaps with bet365 at 4/6 and they really should have more than enough to void a heavy defeat. They are a well-organised side. Even the -2 at 8/5 isn't a bad shout.
It's also worth a go at a big price of 16/5 with Boylesports of United holding Celtic to a draw at half time and Celtic to win at full time.
This Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United will be played on Jan 8, 2025 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
