Celtic have won each of their last three meetings with Dundee United, scoring ten goals and conceding zero, having also won 9-0 at Tannadice just over three years ago.
Dundee United vs Celtic preview
Fair to say, it has not been the dream start to life as Celtic manager for Wilfried Nancy, so he is under enormous pressure to win this one. No Celtic boss had ever lost their first two matches in charge, but the newly-arrived Frenchman has overseen three successive defeats to start. On Sunday, the Hoops were beaten 3-1 by St Mirren in the League Cup Final, an ignominious and comprehensive defeat in equal measure. After the Buddies went in front inside 90 seconds, Reo Hatate did slide in to equalise, but they rarely looked like scoring thereafter, with the Saints deserved winners at Hampden.
Before this, Nancy's first game at the helm had resulted in a home defeat to Hearts before, last Thursday, the Bhoys were demolished 3-0 by Roma in the Europa League, one of the most one-sided first halves you're ever likely to see. Of course, Europe and cup competitions are important, but the league sits above all else for Celtic, having picked up 13 of the last 14 Premiership titles. Right now, the Hoops are six points adrift leaders Hearts, with this the first of two games in hand, so it is of paramount importance, for a multitude of reasons, that they leave Tannadice with all three points.
Meantime, despite their own pretty miserable form, Dundee United will surely fancy their chances of a first win against Celtic for 11 years. The Tangerines were held to a goalless draw by Motherwell on Saturday, meaning they are down in eighth, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
In fact, Jim Goodwin's side are now without a win in seven Premiership matches, claiming victory from just one of 11 outings since 23 September, this a come from behind 3-1 victory over St Mirren in October. The Arabs though have held Rangers to a pair of 2-2 draws to date, denied a memorable victory over the Gers just a fortnight ago by virtue of a 98th minute spot-kick. So, can Dundee United pick up three precious points, thereby adding to Celtic's ongoing misery?
Dundee United vs Celtic head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 109.
- Dundee United Wins: 9. Draws: 21. Celtic Wins: 79.
Dundee United team news
Jim Goodwin is without first-choice goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko as well as Dario Naamo, Panutche Camará and Isaac Pappoe all due to injury.
As ever Dundee United will operate out of a back three, featuring Craig Sibbald and Luca Stephenson at the base of midfield, while Kristijan Trapanovski and Ivan Dolček will be hoping to return to attack.
Dundee United predicted lineup vs Celtic: (3-4-2-1): Richards; Iovu, Graham, Esselink; Strain, Sibbald, Stephenson, Ferry; Sapsford, Trapanovski, Watters.
Dundee United player to watch vs Celtic
Zac Sapsford is the Tangerines' most-likely scorer in this one, netting six times so far this season, including finding the target during August's Dundee derby win as well as against Rangers just two weeks ago.
Celtic team news
On a miserable afternoon at Hampden, Kelechi Ịheanachọ hobbled off during the first half, reaggravating the hamstring issue he has been nursing for two months.
The Nigerian joins Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Jota and Callum Osmand in a jam-packed, star-studded treatment room, while Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have now both departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
So, with limited options at Wilfried Nancy's disposal, James Forrest or Yang Hyun-jun appear the most natural wing-backs, while Benjamin Nygren and Johnny Kenny are set to come into the attack.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Dundee United: (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Ralson, Trusty, Scales; Forrest, McGregor, Hatate, Tierney; Nygren, Maeda, Kenny.
Celtic player to watch vs Dundee United
After scoring 33 times last season, Daizen Maeda has just six goals to his name this time round, while he has only ever netted once in nine meetings with Dundee United, but he is the Celts' most-likely scorer here.
Dundee United vs Celtic prediction
In truth, who knows what to predict from Wilfried Nancy's Celtic, but we are backing the Hoops for a crucial victory at Tannadice, woth goals almost certainly guarantee: Dundee United 1-2 Celtic.
Dundee United vs Celtic FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Dundee United vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Dundee United vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- USA: Paramount+
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect
How to watch Dundee United vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Dundee United vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Australia: beIN XTRA Australia
What is the date and kick-off time for Dundee United vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership?
Dundee United vs Celtic takes place on Wednesday 17 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).