Celtic Vs Dundee

Celtic will look to extend their impressive unbeaten run in the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season as they welcome Dundee to Celtic Park on Wednesday evening. Currently, Celtic tops the league standings with 25 points from a possible 27 after nine matches, while Dundee sits in eighth place with just nine points from their nine fixtures.

Match Overview

Celtic, led by manager Brendan Rodgers, is determined to secure their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and has started the current season in exceptional form, remaining undefeated in their first nine league encounters. The season began on a high note, with the team winning their first nine matches across all competitions. However, a heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund threatened to derail their momentum.

Despite this setback, Celtic quickly recovered, securing two wins and two draws in their next four games. Notably, they showcased a strong defensive performance in a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League, marking their first clean sheet away from home in European competition in seven years. This match followed another disappointing result, a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen, where Celtic squandered a 2-0 lead, underscoring their need for a decisive win in their upcoming fixture.

In their most recent outing, Celtic delivered a commanding performance against Motherwell, winning 3-0 on the road. Goals from Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnston, and Adam Idah ensured a comfortable victory. With both Celtic and Aberdeen tied on points throughout the season thus far, the Bhoys have an opportunity to seize sole possession of first place if they can secure a win against Dundee, especially with Aberdeen set to face Rangers soon.

Dundee's Current Struggles

Dundee enters this match having faced a challenging start to the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership, currently positioned eighth with just nine points from their first nine matches. The visitors had a promising beginning, going unbeaten in their first nine games across all competitions with six victories and three draws. However, their form has since declined, with only one win in their last six outings.

Under the guidance of manager Tony Docherty, Dundee has suffered five losses during this stretch, resulting in their slide down the Premiership table. The team now faces a daunting series of matches, including encounters against Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen, which could prove pivotal for their season.

Historically, Dundee has struggled against Celtic in recent years. Their last visit to Celtic Park ended in a painful 7-1 defeat, leaving them as significant underdogs as they prepare to take on the champions.

Tactical Analysis

Celtic's game plan is expected to center around maintaining their attacking dominance while also solidifying their defense, especially after the earlier heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Brendan Rodgers will likely emphasize possession and quick transitions to exploit Dundee's vulnerabilities.

Dundee, on the other hand, must find a way to tighten their defense and regain the confidence that marked their early season performances. Docherty's side will need to focus on counter-attacks and capitalize on any defensive lapses from Celtic. A solid midfield performance will be crucial to disrupt Celtic's rhythm and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

For Celtic, the trio of Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnston, and Adam Idah will be crucial in maintaining their attacking threat. McCowan, in particular, has emerged as a key figure this season, and his ability to create chances will be vital for Celtic's success.

On Dundee’s side, players like their leading scorer will need to step up to provide the necessary firepower to challenge Celtic's defense. Additionally, their goalkeeper must be at the top of his game to thwart Celtic's potent attack.

Conclusion

As Celtic prepares to host Dundee, the stakes are high for both teams. Celtic is eager to continue their unbeaten run and establish dominance at the top of the table, while Dundee aims to regain their footing in the league and overcome recent struggles. With a history of lopsided encounters between these two clubs, it remains to be seen whether Dundee can rise to the occasion and challenge the formidable champions.