Preview: Celtic (h)

Celtic gave us a doing at Fir Park a few weeks ago but the memory of our glorious win at Parkhead is still fresh in the memory. We know we can get a result but we will need to tighten up our defence considerably. We have lost six goals in the last two games with all of the them being very preventable. There will be at least one change made with Quinn being out and that gives us a huge problem at right back. McLean hasn't looked entirely convincing there but the options are limited. Malcolm and Lasley are the main alternatives but whatever we choose, it might be time to rely on luck rather than skill in that area.

Warming up

The midfield will hope Hughes is fit after going off at half time against Dundee United while it might be worth reconsidering the policy playing three forwards. It could be argued that attack is the best form of defence but it would seem optimistic in the extreme to think we will be able to give them a proper supply. And if we're not getting the ball into good positions up front, surely players with better defensive attributes would be more appropriate? The team line up is a tough decision this week and Mark McGhee will think carefully about what we should do.

Celtic will probably keep their same team from recent weeks although one change might be enforced at the back if McManus doesn't shake off an injury. That would seem good news for us but no doubt they will have another sizable replacement to bring in.

Perhaps this weekend's truly important game for us is at Pittodrie. United losing would give us a boost because it is unlikely we will take anything from Celtic, in what could turn out to be a 0-2 defeat.