REO HATATE returns to the Celtic starting line-up for the High Noon showdown with Dundee United at Tannadice today.
The Japanese international midfielder is one of three changes made by Ange Postecoglou as the boss gives the champions a shake-up for another cucial Premiership encounter.
Carl Starfelt and Liel Abada are also back in the top side with David Turnbull, Moritz Jenz and Daizen Maeda, who all started the 2-0 win over Hearts last week, dropping to the stand-by squad.
A surprising omission is Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, but the manager explained he had been feeling unwell, so he decided not to take chances.
HEADING FOR THE TITLE…Giorgos Giakoumakis thumps in Celtic’s goal in the 1-1 draw at Tannadice in May that clinched the tenth crown in 11 years.
The Hoops are chasing a fifth successive win after clocking up victories over Aberdeen (2-0), Ross County (3-1), Kilmarnock (5-0) and the Tynecastle outfit.
Postecoglou’s men played at the Tayside venue three times last season and clinched the title with a 1-1 draw on May 11 after Giakoumakis had headed them into the lead.
Tom Rogic, Turnbull and Liam Scales were on target in the earlier visit when the Hoops eased to a 3-0 victory and it was an identical scoreline in the Scottish Cup-tie in March when Callum McGregor hit the breakthrough strike and Giakoumakis added two after the interval.
TEAM: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Abada, Kyogo, Jota. Subs: Siegrist, Ralston, Bernabei, Jenz, Mooy, McCarthy, Turnbull, Forrest, Maeda.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Dundee United v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
