MATCH PREVIEW

We all know what’s coming, we all know the drill, so let’s just get it over with early and dish out that oft quoted, clichéd football phrase… all those years of hurt!!! By Justin Hayes Almost twenty-two to be precise. It suffices to say that when Dundee United were last victorious at Parkhead (Boxing Day of 1992), legendary manager Jim McLean was at the helm. The winner that afternoon was scored by Big Duncan Ferguson, who was partnered by Paddy Connelly… for the youngsters out there, that’s Aidan Connolly’s father! Yet this is not about the weight of history, this is about looking forward. This United side will travel through unperturbed by past records, and will relish the prospect of taking on the Champions in their own backyard and testing themselves against the best. It is unlikely fear enters the mindset of the likes of Callum Morris, Connor Townsend and Joroslaw Fojut, who have characterised the resolve and steel on show already this early in the season. In the corresponding fixture last season, a Stuart Armstrong goal had the game seemingly won… the elusive win, when deep into injury-time United conceded a routine goal after giving away possession. Nevertheless on that day the Tannadice outfit matched their Glasgow rivals all the way. Celtic for their part will be determined to mark the unfurling of the league flag and manager Rony Delia’s first match in charge at Parkhead with victory. Their season has had a stop start feel to it so far, what with their staggered league campaign, and well publicised exit and then re-instatement into the Champions League. They have reacted to their indifferent form by bringing in two loan players from the English Premiership; midfield playmaker Aleskandar Tonev from Aston Villa, and Manchester City’s Belgian defender Jason Denayer. With no injuries to report, and confidence sky high following back to back wins, the feel good factor is strong amongst both the Tangerine support and playing staff. Saturday represents the perfect opportunity for the Terrors to lay down a marker and cement their top of the table credentials. So come on Arabs, make some noise!

Ticket Info:

CELTIC V DUNDEE UNITED SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 12.45PM – SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

This match is advance ticket purchase only.

The Tannadice ticket office will still sell tickets on Saturday morning from 9am onwards; supporters purchasing last minute are reminded that the game kicks off at 12.45pm.

Adults £29 (£26 – Restricted view) Concessions 65+ / U16s – £17 (£14 – Restricted view) U13s – £10

United fans please note that Celtic FC will NOT sell any away tickets on the day of the game. 

United supporters are allocated the South East Corner of Celtic Park (sections 119 & 120), turnstiles 66 & 67 will be in use for the away fans.

The police have advised that coaches attending Celtic park will be directed to park up in London Road facing eastwards this is due to the closure of Springfield Road.

Tickets can be purchased in person over the counter from the ticket office in Tannadice Street as well as via phone by calling (01382) 833166 (options 1 & 3) with credit/debit card to hand.

All tickets purchased by telephone and sent out by recorded delivery are subject to a handling charge of £2.25 per ticket (up to a maximum charge of £9 per total order in respect of orders for multiple tickets).