CELTIC have been partying after their Premier Sports Cup Final win over Rangers last week, but it's back to business on Sunday when they travel to face a Dundee United side who have overachieved so far this season.
Brendan Rodgers' side were far from their best in last week's Old Firm showdown but still got the job done after a penalty shootout win following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Celtic haven't actually been at their peak for a couple of weeks now, but the harsh fact is they don't need to be in Scotland. They can coast or not reach the heights and still get the job done.
They face a United side who suffered a disappointing loss at Motherwell last week although they contributed hugely to an entertaining 4-3 defeat.
United's defence have been good this season but they had an off-day in Lanarkshire.
However, Jim Goodwin's newly promoted side are still very much in the hunt for fourth spot and they would probably be disappointed now if they did not reach the top six.
How the bookies view it: Celtic backed to keep winning run going
Celtic remain unbeaten in domestic football and will be the bedrock for most folks' Sunday accas at 1/4 with Betfred. United are a huge 10/1 to win with bet365 and the draw is 23/4 with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads: United's Tannadice nightmares
The sides haven't met yet this season and United fans still must get the chills from when the last time Celtic were in the same league as them two seasons ago. They romped to a 9-0 win at Tannadice and won the other two games that season too.
United's last win over Celtic at home was almost ten years ago to the day.
Players to watch: Sam's the man
Sam Dalby's double last week saw him move to the top of the Premiership scoring charts and he now has eight goals in nine games. The on loan Wrexham man could be a spot of value at 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Daizen Maeda was the hero for Celtic last week with a brilliant goal before he then converted the winning penalty at Hampden. The Japanese flying machine is 21/10 to score anytime with Ladbrokes.
Predicted line-ups:
Dundee United will have Will Ferry back from suspension and Tony Watt available again after he couldn't play against parent club Motherwell last week. Ross Docherty and Craig Sibbald are still absent.
Celtic should have a clean bill of health after the Cup Final, but they could mix it up.
Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Strain, Sevelj, Babunski, Stephenson, Ferry, Dalby, Moult.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Valle, McGregor, Engels, Bernardo, Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.
Anything else catch the eye?
United are no mugs although playing against Celtic is obviously a different kettle of fish. If ever you would want a ‘good' time to play the champions, it's probably now after the effort that went into last week.
Clearly, you would expect Celtic to have too much but if United can tighten up – and they should – they can make this a close game. The call is a Celtic win and under 3.5 goals at 13/10 with Boylesports.
On a tight pitch like Tannadice, there's always the chance of plenty of corners. Celtic won ten on their own when they went to Aberdeen the other week so bet365's over 10 at 11/10 looks a solid shout.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic will be played on Dec 22, 2024 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.
