Preview: Dundee United vs. Celtic

Dundee United will be without midfielder Paul Paton when they welcome Celtic to Tannadice on Sunday afternoon.

Paton has been given a two-match ban after he was adjudged to have spat at Jonny Hayes during the club's 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen last week.

His absence could result in a start for Gary Mackay-Steven, while goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak should keep his place despite making an error last week.

The Terrors have fallen to three defeats in their last six fixtures but they remain in third position in the Scottish Premiership table.

After a disappointing start under boss Ronny Deila, Celtic have started to dominate in domestic action with the club currently on a run of eight successive wins in all Scottish competitions.

Celtic's only defeats have come in Europe but Deila will be encouraged by the form of his side after he had come under pressure during September and October.

Midfielder Kris Commons could be recalled, despite attracting interest from Premier League clubs, while Deila could consider other alterations if he rotates several members of his squad.

Dundee United:

Form in Scottish Premiership: LWLWWL Form in all competitions: WLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Cierzniak, Dillon, Souttar, Fojut, Townsend, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Dow, Armstrong, Erskine, Ciftci

Celtic:

Form in Scottish Premiership: WWWWWW Form in all competitions: LWWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Gordon, Matthews, Ambrose Emuobo, Van Dijk, Izaguirre, Brown, Commons, Forrest, Johansen, Stokes, Guidetti

Sports Mole says: 1-3