Two teams on opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership table face off on Sunday afternoon as Dundee welcome Celtic to Dens Park.
The hosts currently sit 11th in the standings with only six points from eight matches, while the visitors occupy second place with 17 points from seven games.
Match Preview
Dundee returned to the Scottish Premiership as Championship winners in 2022–23 and impressed in their first season back, finishing a respectable sixth. However, their form dipped drastically last term as they narrowly avoided relegation, ending the campaign just four points clear of the drop zone.
The new season has started poorly for the Dee — one win, three draws, and four defeats from their first eight league games have left them struggling near the bottom, while their early Scottish League Cup exit added to the frustration.
Manager Steven Pressley, who took charge in the summer, is already under immense pressure, with fans calling for change after a string of poor results. His search for a turnaround won’t be easy — Dundee now face one of the toughest challenges possible, as they host Celtic, the reigning powerhouse of Scottish football.
Dundee haven’t beaten Celtic in any competition since May 2001 and haven’t managed a home win over the Bhoys since September 1988, making Sunday’s task an uphill battle.
Celtic Outlook
Despite some turbulence this season, Brendan Rodgers’ side remain strong favourites. Celtic have faced fan protests following what many considered a disappointing summer transfer window and their Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty.
In Europe, the Bhoys have struggled, drawing 1–1 with Red Star Belgrade and losing 2–0 to Braga in the Europa League group stage. However, domestically they remain unbeaten, with five wins and two draws from seven Premiership games.
Celtic sit just two points behind leaders Hearts and have also booked a League Cup semi-final clash with Rangers. Rodgers will look to maintain the pressure at the top as the club chases a fifth consecutive Premiership title.
Team News
Dundee:
Paul Digby made his return to the squad against Aberdeen and, with no major injury concerns, Pressley has a full group available. After their 4–0 loss to the Dons, several changes could be made — with Ashley Hay, Charlie Reilly, and Callum Jones pushing for starts.
Predicted lineup:
McCracken; Astley, Graham, Robertson, Samuels; Congreve, Jones, Hamilton, Reilly; Hay, Murray
Celtic:
Alistair Johnston and Auston Trusty are doubtful, while Jota remains sidelined until early next year with a cruciate ligament injury. Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to lead the line after scoring his third goal in five games, supported by Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti.
Kieran Tierney could come in for Marcelo Saracchi after the latter’s poor outing against Motherwell, though the rest of the defence is likely to remain unchanged.
Predicted lineup:
Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McCowan, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti
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