DC United vs Celtic Predictions

DC United vs Celtic predictions for this pre season clash. Celtic start their US pre-season tour against DC United at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday evening. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 21, 2024 at 12.30am UK at Audi Field

DC United vs Celtic Predictions

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Can Celtic Prevail in the Sweltering Heat of Washington?

As Celtic gear up for their pre-season tour in the United States, they face an intriguing encounter with DC United at Audi Field. This match serves as a key fixture for both teams for different reasons: Celtic are preparing for their upcoming season, while DC United are in the midst of their MLS campaign.

Team Analysis

Celtic

Celtic enter this match after a rollercoaster start to their pre-season. Their opening friendly ended in a 1-1 draw with Ayr United, followed by a high-scoring 6-4 victory over Queen’s Park. Despite the win, manager Brendan Rodgers was critical of the first-half performance, particularly the pressing, which he deemed subpar. Nonetheless, the team showed resilience and improvement in the second half, a positive sign ahead of their US tour.

Celtic’s squad sees a blend of experienced players and promising youth. The expected lineup includes new signing Viljami Sinisalo in goal, supported by a defence featuring Tomoki, Welsh, and Taylor. Midfield dynamo Callum McGregor will anchor the centre, with Matt O’Riley and the returning Daizen Maeda providing creativity and thrust. Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi, who netted a hat-trick in the last game, will lead the attack alongside Maeda and Yang.

DC United

DC United come into this friendly with renewed confidence after back-to-back wins in the MLS. Following a dismal run of form, they have turned their fortunes around with comeback victories against Nashville and Minnesota United. Key players like Christian Benteke, who scored twice in their last outing, and Mateusz Klich are expected to feature prominently.

However, DC United face a transitional phase with the recent retirement of long-time captain Steven Birnbaum. Despite his absence, they will rely on the likes of Aaron Herrera, Theodore Ku-DiPietro, and Pedro Santos to maintain stability and creativity. Their expected lineup includes Bono in goal, a defence led by Herrera and Peltola, and an attack spearheaded by Benteke and Ku-DiPietro.

Expected Goals Analysis

Celtic boast a formidable attacking record, averaging 2.5 goals per game in the Scottish Premiership. Their ability to create and convert chances is underscored by 95 goals in 38 matches last season. Key to this is their high possession play, with an average of 69.2% per game, allowing them to dominate and create opportunities.

Conversely, DC United have struggled defensively, conceding an average of two goals per game in the MLS. Their defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by Celtic’s dynamic attack, particularly given their propensity to lose possession frequently (143.4 times per game). However, DC United’s recent form suggests an upward trend, particularly in attacking efficiency, scoring 35 goals in 25 matches.

Key Duels and Field Areas

The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Celtic’s Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley likely to clash with DC United’s Mateusz Klich and Jared Stroud. McGregor’s ability to dictate play and O’Riley’s goal-scoring prowess will be critical against a DC midfield that has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency.

In attack, Kyogo Furuhashi’s movement and finishing will test DC United’s defensive resilience. His duel with Aaron Herrera, a key figure in DC’s backline, could be decisive. Meanwhile, Christian Benteke’s physical presence and aerial ability will challenge Celtic’s defence, particularly young centre-backs like Welsh and Murray.

Gameplay Predictions

Given the attacking strengths and defensive frailties of both sides, an open, high-scoring game is anticipated. Celtic are likely to dominate possession, employing a high-pressing game to exploit DC United’s tendency to concede possession. On the other hand, DC United will look to counter-attack quickly, utilising Benteke’s hold-up play and the pace of Ku-DiPietro.

Improvement Suggestions

Celtic

To improve, Celtic need to enhance their pressing and defensive organisation, particularly in the first half, which Rodgers criticised in their previous friendly. Integrating new signings effectively and ensuring the seamless blend of youth and experience will be crucial. Additionally, maintaining high intensity throughout the match is essential to avoid lapses in concentration.

DC United

DC United should focus on tightening their defence, given their poor record this season. Enhancing their ball retention and reducing errors leading to shots will be vital. Strategically, they could benefit from a more compact defensive shape to counter Celtic’s attacking prowess and exploiting set-pieces where they have shown proficiency.

Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses

Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, particularly in domestic competitions. His ability to develop young talent and implement a high-pressing, possession-based style is commendable. However, his teams have occasionally been criticised for lacking defensive solidity and struggling in European competitions, where tactical rigidity can be exposed.

Troy Lesesne

Lesesne has shown resilience, turning around DC United’s fortunes recently. His willingness to adapt and make crucial tactical changes mid-game is a strength. However, his lack of experience at the highest level and a tendency to over-rely on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive team strategy can be seen as significant drawbacks.

Controversial Critique of DC United

DC United, despite their recent upturn, remain a side fraught with defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency. Lesesne’s tactical acumen is questionable, as the team often appears disjointed, relying heavily on moments of individual brilliance from players like Benteke. This lack of a coherent, sustainable game plan is a glaring weakness.

Furthermore, their defensive organisation is woeful, with frequent errors and lapses in concentration leading to goals. If DC United are to make any significant progress, a radical overhaul in their defensive strategy and a more unified tactical approach are imperative.

Predictions

Best Bet: Draw and Both Teams to Score

Given the attacking capabilities and defensive issues of both sides, a draw with both teams finding the net seems the most plausible outcome. Celtic’s attacking firepower, coupled with DC United’s recent resurgence in form, suggests goals will be scored by both teams, but neither has shown enough defensive solidity to secure a win.

Correct Score Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Aligning with the best bet, a 2-2 draw reflects the likelihood of both teams scoring multiple goals while failing to maintain defensive cohesion. Celtic’s scoring prowess and DC United’s home advantage suggest an evenly matched contest with goals aplenty.

Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo Furuhashi has been in scintillating form, evidenced by his hat-trick in the previous friendly. His sharp movement and clinical finishing make him the prime candidate to score against a leaky DC United defence.

First Half Result: Draw

Both teams might approach the first half cautiously, testing each other’s defences. Given Celtic’s tendency to start slowly and DC United’s recent form, a stalemate at half-time is a reasonable prediction.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target (Celtic Over 7.5)

Celtic’s high average of 7.6 shots on target per game in the Scottish Premiership suggests they are likely to test DC United’s goalkeeper frequently. Given DC United’s defensive struggles, backing Celtic to have over 7.5 shots on target presents a strong betting angle.

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