PREVIEW: Celtic look to capitalise on early Rangers slip as title defence begins | OneFootball

Celtic get their SPFL title defence underway this evening as they host Dundee FC, and look to capitalise on Rangers’ Friday night draw to give themselves an early lead in the title picture.

The Hoops have won the last five consecutive SPFL titles and will be hoping to get this year’s defence off to the perfect start despite plenty of outgoings this Summer, including last season’s star striker Daizen Maeda, who has joined Ipswich Town. Maeda scored the goal that ultimately won Celtic the league back in May, in their final day shootout with Hearts at Celtic Park. Martin O’Neill will also be without Liam Scales, Jota, and Benjamin Nygren for this one due to injury and suspension.

Dundee, meanwhile, have reestablished themselves in the top flight over the last three seasons with consistent mid-table finishes, including an 8th-place finish last term. The Dee have already played four competitive games this season, escaping their Premier Sports Cup group in second place behind Ross County, thanks to wins over Airdrieonians, Annan Athletic and Clyde. Steven Pressley’s men will now take on Aberdeen in the Round of 16 in 12 days’ time.

O’Neill’s Celtic side are winless in pre-season, having drawn with Shelbourne, Middlesbrough and AC Milan as well as suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Sporting Lisbon.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm BST and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.