CALL it a gap, a chasm, or a gulf.
Celtic can open up all three and then more in the SPFL Premiership title race with a win over Dundee United.
After Rangers reduced the deficit to their fierce city rivals with their emphatic Old Firm win on January 2, their subsequent slip and Celts’ win over St Mirren all but restored the advantage again.
That lead can be EXTENDED before Gers kick off against Dundee on Thursday in the second half of a city double-bill as United share the stage in Glasgow on Wednesday night.
Jim Goodwin‘s side are third after their own derby win and just six points off Philippe Clement‘s team – a gap which can obviously be reduced to three with a win at Parkhead.
But that’s a result that hasn’t been achieved since Boxing Day 1992.
The Tangerines have managed 12 draws in the east end of Glasgow within that time – a ratio of one every four games.
And the home side are strong favourites to hit the sweet sixteen advantage in the league – just 17 days since defeating United at Tannadice.
The SPFL schedule is hectic for the Hoops with midweek matches over Christmas and in each of the first two weeks of January – then two European fixtures to end the month.
And Brendan Rodgers looks set to add to his squad to cope with that rapid rate of games.
Hoops hero Kieran Tierney is in his sights, but it may be asking a lot for the deal with Arsenal to be completed and the defender to feature having been on the sidelines in north London for so long.
Will he be watching – or will the boyhood Celtic fan be involved after all?
Here’s all the details you need to catch the action.
What time does Rangers vs Aberdeen kick off?
- Celtic host Dundee United on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
- The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time
- It will be held at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
- Referee for the match is Kevin Clancy, assisted by Graeme Stewart and Colin Drummond.
- Steven McLean is on VAR duty alongside assistant Alan Mulvanny.
What TV channel is Rangers vs Aberdeen on and can I live stream it?
- Celtic v Dundee United WILL be broadcast in the UK.
- It can be streamed by Celtic TV who have released the game on a pay-per-view basis.
- Coverage begins one hour before kick-off.
- Audio coverage will also be online for non-subscribers via BBC Radio Scotland, while highlights will be shown on Sportscene at 10.40pm on BBC One.
Team news
For Jim Goodwin, Craig Sibbald is still several weeks away from a return after groin surgery and Louis Moult has a shoulder problem.
Match odds
Celtic 2/11 (William Hill)
Draw 7/1 (Various)
Dundee Utd 16/1 (Betfred)
*odds correct as at 8.30pm on Monday, January 6, 2025.
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