Celtic are the trophy now

Celtic totally bossed Dundee United when the teams met there on league duty earlier in the season.  It was a different story in both meetings at Celtic Park, when an added-time Liel Abada goal in January brought the league leaders their only win.

Since that dramatic game, United have lost only once in eight outings, when a late own-goal at Livingston denied them a point.  They will be difficult opponents tonight, just as importantly, I expect Tannadice to resemble a ploughed field.

Years ago, I remember writing that those who expect Celtic to win a treble have a poor grasp of history.  Several times we had the League Cup in the boardroom, sat top of the table and were confident of beating anyone we met.  For 38 years, that aspiration only materialised once.

The world changed in season 2016-17.  In the 12 domestic cup competitions since, Celtic lost only twice, trebles flooded in.  This did not make cup wins less valuable, in fact their prestige rose.  Everyone wanted to win a cup as Celtic had cornered the market.

We are the trophy now.  Cup wins against Celtic are so rare and valuable they are rightly celebrated like trophies.  Ange Postecoglou had the opportunity to spend a week preparing his players for a game.  Those with a grasp of modern history will not bet against him.