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Dundee United will take on Celtic in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, 15 August, in what is the pick of the matches this weekend.
After losing in last year's final to St Mirren, Celtic will be determined to have another deep run in the League Cup season, while Dundee United are chasing their first League Cup triumph since 1981.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Dundee United vs Celtic key stats
- Celtic have a 100% record in competitive matches so far this season.
- Dundee United have failed to win any of their last three matches.
- Both teams have scored in just one of the last eight matches between Dundee United and Celtic.
Dundee United vs Celtic preview: A tough draw for both clubs
Dundee United vs Celtic — Tale of the Tape
| Dundee United | vs | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| 11th (Scottish Premiership) | Position | 1st (Scottish Premiership) |
| 1 | Points | 6 |
| 1 | Goals For | 6 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 7th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
As is the case in almost every cup draw in Scotland, Celtic were the last team that Dundee United wanted to see pulled out of the hat after they were handed a home draw, but now is not the time to feel sorry for themselves.
For optimistic supporters, playing the Bhoys this early on in the season is perhaps a good thing, as there is a chance they could be caught cold, even if their early-season results make for ominous reading.
On the flip side, Dundee United's form in the build-up to the match isn't that of a team that looks ready to topple Scotland's finest. They have picked up just one point from their opening two Premiership matches, and lost 4-0 to Hearts at the weekend.
Manager Jim Goodwin is set to be without Dario Naamo and Miller Thomson due to injury on Saturday, with further changes expected after the bad loss to Hearts.
As for Celtic, this match is very much a case of building on an excellent start to the season. The Bhoys have gone two from two in the Premiership and put in a stunning display last weekend when they beat Kilmarnock 5-1.
Manager Martin O'Neill missed that match due to an operation, but he will be back in the dugout at Tannadice this weekend, and he has some decisions to make on personnel with a big couple of weeks coming up.
On Wednesday, they will play LASK in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff, and that match certainly takes precedence over this one. As such, O'Neill is expected to ring the changes, which could provide Dundee United with a window of opportunity.
On the other hand, O'Neill will be desperate for a domestic treble after leading Celtic to a double last season, so will still want to field a team that gives them a good chance of winning the match.
Dundee United vs Celtic form guide & betting tips
| Dundee United | vs | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
L
W
W
D
L |
Form |
L
D
D
W
W
|
| 10 | Goals For | 10 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 8 |
WLWW |
Scottish League Cup | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Dundee United 0-2 Celtic
Celtic's depth means they can field a second XI here and still come through the match relatively comfortably against a team that has not beaten a top-flight team yet this season. Celtic to win has been priced at 8/15.
Celtic have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight matches against Dundee United. BTTS no has been priced at 1/1.
Camilo Duran has scored three goals across his last five appearances for Celtic. Duran is priced at 19/10 to score anytime on Saturday.
> Celtic to win at 8/15 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS No at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> Duran to score anytime at 19/10 (2.90) | Likelihood: Possible