Celtic Aims to Extend Lead as Dundee United Visits Parkhead

Celtic will look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 16 points as they host Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday night. The champions, fresh off a 3-0 victory over St Mirren, are in dominant form but face a Dundee United side that held them to a goalless draw just three weeks ago.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side has been nearly unstoppable this season, but the manager has recently found himself at odds with a section of the Celtic fanbase. Rodgers expressed frustration after Sunday’s win, criticizing fans for groaning at backward passes and chanting for former left-back Kieran Tierney, which he viewed as disrespectful to current defender Greg Taylor.

Rodgers doubled down on his comments during his pre-match press conference, stating, ‘I’m experienced enough to say what I think and what I feel. I’m not going to bite my tongue.’ The Irishman emphasized the importance of unity as Celtic aims to maintain their commanding position in the league.

Dundee United, managed by Jim Goodwin, arrive at Parkhead in third place but face a daunting task. The Tangerines have not won at Celtic Park since Boxing Day 1992, a run spanning 48 matches. Goodwin acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘Going to Parkhead is probably the most difficult game we could have, with Celtic in the form they are in.’

United will be without top scorer Sam Dalby, who starts on the bench, with Jort van Der Sande leading the line. Goodwin hopes to inject ‘pace and energy’ into his side, which he believes will be crucial to countering Celtic’s dominance. ‘We need to be brave and offer some kind of threat on the counter-attack,’ he added.

Celtic, meanwhile, will rely on their attacking trio of Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah, who have been instrumental in their recent success. The hosts will also look to captain Callum McGregor to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game.

With both teams eager for a positive result, the match promises to be a compelling encounter. Celtic will aim to continue their march toward another league title, while Dundee United hopes to defy history and secure a rare victory at Parkhead.