THE joy of that epic Tannadice win over AZ Alkmaar has given way to despair at Dundee United and they host SPFL Premiership champions Celtic off the back of a dispiriting run of four successive defeats.
Shipping seven goals to Alkmaar in the second leg of that Conference League qualifier has demoralised Jack Ross' new-look team and last weekend's 3-0 home defeat to St Mirren also made it three losses on the spin in the league.
The manner of that defeat was even more worrying than the result itself and the insipid performance made me look a bit foolish after I had backed Dundee United to get back on track with a win over the Buddies.
Ross is already under pressure so early in his reign so the last thing he needs now is to face a Celtic side who have started their title defence by racking up four successive wins.
Ange Postecoglou's side weren't at their best against Hearts last Sunday but still managed to chalk up a 2-0 win and will be desperate to make it five league victories in a row before hosting Rangers in the first Old Firm game of the season.
With no European qualifiers to worry about this summer, the Hoops have been able to concentrate fully on Premiership business and if they hit top stride again it could be another dark afternoon for Dundee United.
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see Celtic as heavy favourites and they are a best 1/6 at Betway with Dundee United a whopping 20/1 at Coral. The last Tannadice meeting was a draw and a repeat pays 7/1 with Bet365.
Recent head to head
The first and last meetings of these sides last season both ended in 1-1 draws but Celtic won three times in the middle, including successive 3-0 victories at Tannadice in the league and Scottish Cup (below).
The Hoops are unbeaten in 16 games against Dundee United since a 2-1 Tannadice loss back in 2014, with future Celtic players Nadir Ciftci and Stuart Armstrong scoring the killer goals that day.
Players to watch
Jota has been the most impressive of Postecoglou's forward players this season and scored a screamer in the last away match against Kilmarnock. The Portuguese winger is 9/5 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer in this one and that looks good value.
Steven Fletcher was a long-time Celtic target in his days down south and will be out to show them what they've been missing. The former Scotland striker is 5/1 at Unibet for a goal in this one.
Anything else catch the eye?
United boss Ross flagged up his side's lack of fight after the defeat by St Mirren so expect them to snap into a few challenges against Celtic. Most of the attacks come down the flanks for the Hoops so it could pay to back Dundee United's full-backs for cards. Liam Smith is 5/2 with Bet365 to be carded while new boy Aziz Behich is 3/1.
Backing Celtic for corners usually pays off, although Hearts surprisingly managed to win two more than them at Parkhead. I can't see any corner handicap markets yet but over 11 match corners is 5/4 at Bet365.
There should be goals with how badly United have been defending but you have to go to over 3.5 strikes to get into odds-against territory at 11/10 with BetVictor.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic will be played on Aug 28, 2022 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee United vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
