bet365
BetMGM
William Hill
Betfred
BetUK
LiveScoreBet
10Bet
Virgin Bet
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo location and live streaming rules apply.
Will Martin O’Neill’s perfect home record continue as the Bhoys seek Scottish Cup redemption? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Read Rationale ▾
Celtic have won all home games under O’Neill since January and average 1.74 goals per game. Dundee’s last three cup ties saw over 2.5 goals, and their defensive transitions are statistically weak against clinical sides like Celtic, who dominate possession with a high 63% average.
Read Rationale ▾
Celtic’s superior ball retention and 13.0 average shots per game suggest they will suffocate Dundee. The visitors are very weak at defending against skillful players and often concede chances. A 3-0 scoreline reflects Celtic’s clinical edge and Dundee’s struggle to maintain possession at Celtic Park.
Readers’ Tip
Vote your pick — quick & anonymous
Terms & Conditions (tap to view)
The magic of the Scottish Cup returns to Celtic Park this Saturday evening. For Martin O’Neill and his Celtic side, this is about more than just progression; it is about redemption.
Celtic vs Dundee — bet365 Market Snapshot
Market analysis with implied probabilities and sample bet365 odds for this Scottish Cup clash.
Celtic have won all three home games since Martin O’Neill’s return in January, while Dundee are huge outsiders for this cup tie.
Dundee’s last three Scottish Cup outings have all cleared the 2.5 goal line, suggesting an open contest at Celtic Park.
Celtic’s clinical 1.74 average goals per game makes the 2-0 and 3-0 scorelines highly plausible outcomes this weekend.
Celtic’s 63% possession dominance is expected to force Dundee into a defensive shell for most of the 90 minutes.
Celtic vs Dundee Prediction: Bhoys Eye Cup Progress
- O’Neill’s Home Fortress: Since Martin O’Neill returned to the helm in January, the Bhoys have been perfect at Celtic Park, winning all three home fixtures.
- Dundee’s Cup Fever: Dundee matches in the Scottish Cup are rarely dull affairs, with their last three tournament outings producing over 2.5 goals.
- Lopsided Discipline: While Celtic average a high 63% possession, they remain non-aggressive with only 64 yellow cards compared to Dundee’s struggle with discipline.
Ball Dominance: Possession Percentages
A massive gulf in ball retention suggests a match where the hosts will control the tempo entirely.
Celtic’s ability to suffocate opponents through prolonged periods on the ball is a hallmark of O’Neill’s system.
Dundee typically operate with significantly less of the ball, forcing them to rely on transitions.
Attacking Pressure: Average Shots per Game
The hosts maintain a high volume of attacking actions, keeping opposition keepers busy throughout the 90.
Dundee manage fewer attempts, reflecting their lower possession and more structured approach.
The magic of the Scottish Cup returns to Celtic Park this Saturday evening. For Martin O’Neill and his Celtic side, this is about more than just progression; it is about redemption. After the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat in last year’s final, the hosts are desperate to reclaim a trophy they won back-to-back in 2023 and 2024.
The mood in Glasgow is buoyant as O’Neill has seemingly steadied a ship that weathered three different managers this season. They face a Dundee side under Steven Pressley that has shown grit on the road, recently dispatching Kilmarnock to set up this glamorous fifth-round tie. With Celtic undefeated in seven, the pressure is on the visitors to cause a massive upset.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Celtic Team News
- Kasper Schmeichel is a notable absence from the predicted XI, with Sinisalo expected to deputize between the sticks.
- Key defenders like Inamura and Johnston are not in the projected starting lineup despite their high seasonal ratings.
Dundee Team News
- Dundee appears to be missing several high-performers from the XI, including Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio in the heart of the defense.
Probable Lineups:
Celtic: Sinisalo; Ralston, Murray, Scales, Tierney; Hyun-Jun, Bernardo, McGregor, Tounekti; Nygren, Iheanacho
Dundee: McCracken; Halliday, Astley, Graham, Wright; Congreve, Dhanda, Hamilton, Jones, Yogane; Murray
The inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho and Benjamin Nygren up front suggests O’Neill is looking for a clinical edge to kill the game early.
Tale of the Tape
| Metric | Celtic | Dundee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Goals Per Game | 1.74 CLINICAL | 1.00 |
| Avg Shots Per Game | 13.0 | 10.2 |
| Possession % | 63% | 43% |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 76% |
The numbers highlight a massive gulf in ball retention. Celtic’s 63% possession average allows them to suffocate opponents, while Dundee typically operates with less than half the ball. This suggests a game played almost entirely in the visitors’ half.
Tactical Battle: How the Match Plays Out
Expect Celtic to dominate the tempo from the first whistle. O’Neill’s side is renowned for attacking down the wings, particularly the left flank where Kieran Tierney provides elite service. With Benjamin Nygren having already bagged 12 goals this season, any delivery into the box will be a high-alert situation for the Dundee backline.
Dundee’s struggle lies in their defensive transitions. They are statistically very weak at defending against skillful players and often fail to stop opponents from creating chances. To stay in this, Steven Pressley will likely rely on aerial duels, where his side is strong, and hope to exploit Celtic’s “very weak” ability to prevent chance creation on the counter.
Dundee’s primary weapon is the long ball and wide play, specifically attacking down the right. However, if they cannot maintain possession (averaging just 76% pass accuracy), they will find themselves in a defensive shell for 90 minutes. Celtic’s use of the offside trap could also frustrate Dundee’s attempts to break quickly.
Key Moments to Watch
- The first 15 minutes after the halftime break will be crucial. Statistically, Celtic see a surge in activity during the middle periods of the game.
- If Dundee can survive the initial wide onslaught from Maeda or Hyun-Jun, they may find joy in set-piece scenarios, an area where they are traditionally dominant in the air.
What Could Go Wrong?
Volatility usually stems from Celtic’s defensive lapses. Despite their dominance, they are prone to allowing chances. If Sinisalo lacks the veteran presence of Schmeichel, a single lapse in concentration against a long ball could see Dundee snatch a lead that they are physically equipped to defend through aerial dominance.
📊 Match Result & Totals
The Match Result & Over-Under market combines two outcomes. You are selecting who wins the match and whether the total goals will exceed a specific number (e.g., 2.5). Pros: Higher odds than a simple win bet. Cons: Requires both the result and the goal count to be correct.
🎯 Correct Score
The Correct Score market requires predicting the exact final scoreline. Pros: High potential returns due to difficulty. Cons: High volatility; one late goal can ruin the selection. Cautious bettors often prefer “Score Groups” for better margins.
⚔️ Pick 1: Celtic to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Celtic enter this Scottish Cup fixture as significant favourites, underpinned by a flawless home record under Martin O’Neill. Since his return in January, the Bhoys have secured victories in all three home matches, transforming Celtic Park into a fortress once more. Their offensive output remains consistent, averaging 1.74 goals per game, supported by a relentless 13.0 average shots per match. This dominance is further highlighted by their 63% possession, a metric that allows them to suffocate opponents and create high-volume scoring opportunities.
Tactical Indicators:
- Celtic have won 100% of home fixtures under O’Neill’s management this year.
- Dundee’s last three Scottish Cup matches have all featured three or more goals.
- Dundee possess a 76% pass accuracy, making them vulnerable to Celtic’s high-possession pressure.
Dundee’s recent cup history suggests a tendency for high-scoring fixtures, with their last three tournament outings producing over 2.5 goals. While Steven Pressley’s side showed grit in dispatching Kilmarnock, they are statistically weak at defending against skillful players and managing defensive transitions. Against a Celtic side renowned for wide attacks and clinical finishing, Dundee may struggle to keep the scoreline low.
Risk Factor: Celtic’s defensive lapses, noted in the lack of recent clean sheets, could lead to a Dundee goal, though it unlikely offsets the home win.
🎯 Pick 2: Celtic 3-0 Dundee
A 3-0 scoreline is plausible given the statistical gulf between the two Scottish Premiership sides. Celtic’s 63% ball retention ensures the game will be played primarily in Dundee’s half, limiting the visitors’ opportunities to threaten. With 13.0 shots per game, the Bhoys possess the volume required to breach a Dundee defence that is missing high-performers like Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio. The inclusion of clinical forwards such as Benjamin Nygren, who has 12 goals this season, provides the edge needed to convert dominance into a multi-goal margin.
Dundee’s primary weakness lies in defensive transitions and stopping opponents from creating chances. Their 43% possession average suggests they will spend the majority of the match chasing the ball, leading to fatigue and late-game vulnerability. While Dundee are strong in aerial duels, Celtic’s preference for attacking down the wings and low through-balls bypasses this strength. A clean sheet for Celtic is also supported by Dundee’s low shot volume and 76% pass accuracy.
Risk Factor: Should Dundee exploit a set-piece or counter-attack through their strength in aerial duels, the clean sheet would be lost.
❓ Interactive Q&A
⊕ What does a “To Win and Over 2.5 Goals” bet mean?
A “To Win and Over 2.5 Goals” bet means the selected team must win the match and the total combined goals must be three or more. If Celtic win 3-0, the bet is successful as both conditions are met.
⊕ Why is possession a key factor in this Scottish Cup tie?
Possession dictates the tempo and location of the game. Celtic’s high 63% possession average allows them to control the match at Celtic Park and limits Dundee’s attacking opportunities.
⊕ What is a Correct Score market?
The Correct Score market is a wager on the exact final score of the match at the end of regulation time. It is a popular market for those looking for higher returns on specific scoreline predictions.
⊕ How does Dundee’s pass accuracy affect their chances?
Dundee’s 76% pass accuracy suggests they may struggle to retain the ball under pressure. This increases the likelihood of Celtic recovering possession quickly and maintaining their offensive rhythm.
⊕ Are there risks with betting on high-margin scorelines?
Yes, betting on high-margin scorelines like 3-0 is risky because a single goal from the underdog or a defensive performance better than expected can invalidate the bet.
⊕ What role do “aerial duels” play for Dundee?
Dundee are strong in aerial duels, which is their best chance for defensive stops or set-piece goals. However, Celtic often bypass this by playing low through-balls and attacking from wide areas.
⊕ How has Martin O’Neill impacted Celtic’s form?
Martin O’Neill has steadied the team since returning in January, achieving a perfect record in his three home games back at Celtic Park. This stability is a core reason for their favourite status.
⊕ What is the significance of the “Over 2.5 Goals” trend for Dundee?
The “Over 2.5 Goals” trend in Dundee’s last three cup ties suggests they are involved in open matches. This aligns with Celtic’s attacking style, making a high-scoring game likely.
18+ | GambleAware | T&Cs apply. Please remember to set a budget, use deposit limits, and stop playing when it’s no longer fun.
