Celtic will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing European result in midweek, as they face Dundee United this weekend.
The Hoops' poor Champions League campaign came to a conclusion on Wednesday, as Ange Postecoglou's side fell to a 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. But their attentions now turn back to Scottish Premiership action, with Celtic looking to stretch their advantage over Rangers at the top of the table against a side they beat 9-0 earlier this campaign, with a repeat scoreline something they would no doubt take.
Postecoglou only has two injury dilemmas, with Callum McGregor ruled out of the game whilst Cameron Carter-Vickers missed Wednesday's match. Jota came off the bench against Los Blancos in midweek and could be in line for a start on Saturday.
READ MORE: Celtic lose out to Real Madrid in UEFA Youth League with Los Blancos scoring inside TEN seconds
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So, what lineup will Postecoglou go with? And, what will the final score be? We simulated the game to try and find out. To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the Celtic squad with the latest injuries and suspensions.
Celtic vs Dundee United simulated
We predict that Celtic could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Hart, Juranovic, Welsh, Starfelt, Bernabei, Hatate, O’Riley, Haksabanovic, Maeda, Giakoumakis, Jota.
We predict that the visitors could set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, McMann; Freeman, Levitt, Sibbald, Behich; McGrath; Watt, Fletcher.
As expected, Celtic started the game in full control, having most of the possession in the opening stages of the game. The Hoops started to create some good chances in the first half, and they raced into an early first-half lead through Jota and Matt O'Riley.
Jota opened the scoring after 10 minutes when he slid in at the back post to meet Daizen Maeda's driven cross, just about turning the ball into the net as it deflected off the winger's shin. The second goal saw O'Riley finish off a well-worked team move, with the midfielder advancing into the box unmarked to receive the ball from Reo Hatate and fire past the 'keeper.
Just before the break, Dundee United managed to pull a goal back against the run of play, with Steven Fletcher rounding Joe Hart and tapping into an empty net. Celtic started the second half quite nervy after conceding before the break, but a two-goal cushion opened up with 20 minutes remaining as Georgios Giakoumakis made it 3-1.
On the shoulder of the defender, Giakoumakis used his strength to create a route for a pass into the box. O'Riley spotted the striker and played a great pass through, with Giakoumakis striking a powerful effort into the net at the near post.
The third goal saw the visitors lose some spirit, with a comeback now looking extremely unlikely. Celtic were in full control, and Giakoumakis finished off the game as he grabbed the Hoops' fourth in added time.
Now on the right, Jota cut in from the wing and floated a ball into the box for Giakoumakis. The striker did well to bring down the cross and create space for a shot, rifling into the top corner to secure the victory.
FIFA 23 predicted score: Celtic 4-1 Dundee United
Here are the full-time match stats.
FIFA 23 predicts that despite not creating too many chances, Celtic's attacking talent secured an impressive win against Dundee United in the simulation. Giakoumakis impressed in the second half, proving to be the real difference-maker in the game.
What do you think the score will be between Celtic and Dundee United on Saturday? Let us know in the comments!
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