Dundee United vs Celtic prediction 17.12.2025 | Scottish Premiership

Last season feels like a distant memory for United fans. Dundee United finished fourth in the 2024–25 campaign and held their own through the Championship round, giving the impression of a side on the rise. This year has been far less kind. The Terrors are currently hovering just above the bottom three, only four points clear, and the confidence drain is obvious.

Jim Goodwin’s side have gone seven matches without a win, losing four of them and drawing blanks in front of goal on four occasions. Still, it hasn’t been entirely bleak. United have avoided defeat in their last two home games, and interestingly, the only two times they didn’t lose to Celtic in the last ten meetings also came at Tannadice. That alone gives supporters something to cling to.

Zachary Sapsford remains the focal point going forward, leading the club with six goals across all competitions. Isaac Pappoe is sidelined with a knee injury, but aside from that, Goodwin has a relatively clean squad to work with.

Celtic’s hold on the Premiership suddenly feels a little slippery. The Bhoys sit second, six points behind Hearts, although two games in hand mean the picture could change quickly. Still, recent form has raised eyebrows.

McInnes’ side have dropped their last three matches, and the 3-1 loss to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final last weekend will hang around for a while.

Strangely enough, Celtic have looked more convincing away from home. The Bhoys won all their last two league trips, which should steady a few nerves ahead of this one.

Benjamin Nygren continues to lead the attack with seven goals this season, and Daizen Maeda, not far behind on six, offers that constant sense of movement defenders hate dealing with.

Fitness is where things get awkward. Jota, Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho, Cameron Carter Vickers and Callum Osmand are all sidelined.