Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has acknowledged the daunting challenge his side faces on Sunday, as they prepare to take on a Celtic team with an “obscene” attacking record.

The Hoops, fresh from lifting the season’s first trophy with their contentious victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final, remain unbeaten in the Premiership. Brendan Rodgers’ side are nine points clear of second-placed Aberdeen, having played one game fewer, and boast an astonishing 40 goals scored while conceding just four.

Adding to Dundee United’s concerns, the Tannadice outfit have not defeated Celtic in their last 19 encounters—a streak stretching back to December 2014. Despite the formidable task ahead, Goodwin remains determined to craft a strategy capable of causing an upset.

“A Big Task on Our Hands”

Speaking ahead of the match, Goodwin said:

“We know we’ve got a big task on our hands on Sunday. Nobody has managed to beat Celtic in the league yet this season.

“They’ve only dropped two points all season, conceded just four goals, and scored an obscene number of goals. Hopefully, we can devise a plan, a system, and select the right personnel to cause an upset.”

Containing Celtic’s Attack

When asked how Dundee United could neutralise a Celtic side averaging 2.93 goals per game in the league, Goodwin admitted:

“That’s the question everyone’s been trying to answer – Rangers included.

“Aberdeen managed to hold them to a draw at Parkhead, but Celtic missed several chances in the first half that could have put the game to bed.

“They have so many high-quality players. You can focus on one, but another will find space and cause problems. It’s as tough a challenge as it gets.

“We’re aiming to deny them space and maintain a solid defensive shape. However, we can’t afford to repeat the errors we made last Saturday (a 4-3 defeat at Motherwell), or we’ll be punished.”

A Balanced Approach

While Goodwin emphasised the importance of a strong defensive setup, he also warned against relying solely on a defensive game plan, arguing that Dundee United must pose their own attacking threat.

“We’ve got to try and come up with an offensive plan to cause them one or two problems,” he said.

“It’s about striking the right balance against such a quality opponent. You can’t leave yourself exposed and allow them to exploit space, but you also have to find ways to impose yourself.

“That’s the challenge ahead. Every team has tried to beat Celtic this season and failed, but we must believe we are capable of doing it.”

Belief in Attack

Dundee United will look to Sam Dalby, the league’s top scorer, to spearhead their attack. Goodwin’s approach suggests he hopes to combine a disciplined defensive performance with the ability to seize any attacking opportunities that arise.

Sunday’s clash will test Dundee United’s resolve as they attempt to end a decade-long winless run against the Premiership leaders.