Two sides who have made contrasting starts to the new season meet at Tannadice Park this weekend as Dundee United host Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The reigning Scottish champions are unbeaten with three wins from their first four outings, while the hosts have already lost twice.
Dundee United
© Getty Images
Dundee United head into this match off the back of a heavy defeat to Hamilton Academical, losing 4-0 at New Douglas Park to leave the Terrors with just four points from a possible 12 so far.
Jackie McNamara's side appeared to have bounced back from defeat on the opening day of the new campaign, following up a win over Motherwell with a 2-2 draw in the Dundee derby in a midweek fixture, prior to their hammering at Hamilton.
The manager has come in for some criticism from the club's fans this week following the slow start to the season, and following reports of a rift between McNamara and youth director Stevie Campbell, who was suspended pending an investigation by the club earlier this month. No reason for the former Dundee and Livingston defender's suspension has been given.
This weekend's hosts have been haemorrhaging goals, throwing away a two-goal lead against neighbours Dundee last week, before conceding three goals inside 40 minutes last time out. Only St Johnstone and Kilmarnock have let in more in the first four matches of the season.
McNamara has not made too many additions to his squad over the summer, bringing in three players on free transfers, while Mark Durnan has been the only purchase, joining from Queen of the South.
By contrast, a number of players have left Tannadice, with the likes of goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak and Michael Gardyne being released at the end of their contracts, while last season's top scorer Nadir Ciftci has been sold to this weekend's opponents.
Recent form: LWLWDL
Recent form (all competitions): LLLWDL
Celtic
© Getty Images
Ronny Deila's side continue their busy start to the 2015-16 campaign, coming into this match just three days after the first leg of a Champions League playoff tie against Malmo, which they won 3-2.
Qualifying for the group stage of Europe's top club competition could be vital for the Scottish champions, having missed out last year, and with highly-rated defender Virgil van Dijk thought to be keen on a move to Southampton if they lose to the Swedish side.
The Hoops have certainly made a bright start to the defence of their domestic league title, winning three of their first four matches, including a 4-2 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle last time out, while also sharing a 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.
The manager has brought in a number of new signings over the summer, including Ciftci from Dundee United, plus Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata and Saidy Janko from Manchester United.
Celtic are the joint-top scorers in the Scottish top flight so far this season, netting 10 times in their opening four fixtures, led by striker Leigh Griffiths, who already has three goals to his name.
Recent form: DWWWDW
Recent form (all competitions): WDWDWW
Team News
© Getty Images
Celtic could hand Scott Allan his debut for the club following his move from Hibernian earlier this week. He was introduced to the fans ahead of the match against Inverness last weekend, but is not part of the club's Champions League squad, so could not face Malmo.
Nadir Ciftci will have to sit out against his former club though, as he is still serving a six-match domestic ban for a biting incident during one of last season's Dundee derbies.
Meanwhile, the home side will be hoping to have striker Mario Bilate available again after he missed the last two weeks with a minor hamstring injury, but he will need a late fitness test.
Midfielder Paul Paton, who has been out of action since April, is still sidelined though, having recently undergone knee surgery. He had been expected to be ready for the start of the season after resting his knee over the summer, but the problem flared up again.
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
McGovern, Gordon, Tena, Watson, Kurakins, Gillespie, Imrie, MacKinnon, Crawford, Kurtaj, Morris
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Gordon, Lustig, Boyata, Van Dijk, Izaguirre, Bitton, Brown, Mackay-Steven, Johanse, Armstrong, Griffiths
Head To Head
Dundee United and Celtic have already met five times in all competitions in 2015, with Celtic unbeaten against this weekend's opponents this year.
Deila's side secured 3-0 wins in their last two league meetings, including one at Tannadice in April, while Celtic picked up a comfortable 4-0 victory in the Scottish Cup in March.
The Terrors have won just one of their last 16 matches against Celtic, beating them 2-1 at home last December, which was just their fifth win in 81 meetings with the Glasgow side, who have won 60 times.
This fixture tends to keep the referee busy, with six red cards handed out in their five meetings in 2015.
We say: Dundee United 0-3 Celtic
Even if Celtic rest players for their Champions League match, Deila's side have looked strong enough to beat the struggling Dundee United. With Ciftci unavailable, the in-form Griffiths is likely to continue up front, which should result in plenty of chances for the visitors.
Sian Cowper
