Preview: Dundee United vs. Celtic

Celtic head into their Scottish Cup fixture with Dundee United having suffered their first domestic defeat of 2015 in midweek.

A stunning 25-year-old strike from Danny Swanson was the difference as St Johnstone won at Celtic Park, but manager Ronny Deila is unlikely to be too concerned, despite the below-par display.

With the club out of Europe, focus can be switched to attempting to complete the Scottish treble, and Deila's squad will be motivated to return to winning ways at Tannadice.

Winger James Forrest is pushing for inclusion, but Deila is unlikely to make sweeping changes to a team that has been successful in recent months.

Dundee United go into the tie having failed to win in four games in the Scottish Premiership, with their current form seeing them cut adrift from the top three.

The Terrors could still achieve third, but their focus for the next seven days is on attempting to prevail past Celtic in the Scottish Cup or next week's League Cup final.

Despite their lack of confidence, Dundee will take heart from their 2-1 victory over Celtic over the Christmas period.

Nadir Ciftci is available after successfully overturning a two-match suspension, while Henri Anier is pushing for a start.

Dundee United:

Form in Scottish Cup: WW Form in all competitions: WWLLDL

Possible starting lineup: Cierzniak, Dillon, McGowan, Fojut, Dixon, Paton, Telfer, Spittal, Erskine, Dow, Ciftci

Celtic:

Form in Scottish Cup: WW Form in all competitions: WDWLWL

Possible starting lineup: Gordon, Matthews, Denayer, Van Dijk, Ambrose Emuobo, Armstrong, Brown, Mackay-Steven, Johansen, Stokes, Griffiths

Sports Mole says: 1-3