'A lot of incentives' for United to delay Celtic party

Dundee United held Celtic to a 0-0 draw at Tannadice in December

Dundee United will do everything they can to ensure there is no Celtic title party at Tannadice, with manager Jim Goodwin stressing his team have plenty to play for themselves.

Celtic need a point on Saturday to be crowned champions for the the fourth successive season.

United have won their past three Scottish Premiership matches but have not beaten Celtic in more than 10 years.

Goodwin's side are yet to score against the runaway league leaders in three meetings this term, although they did hold out for a draw at home in December.

"Would I have wanted this fixture if I could have picked it - probably not," he admitted.

"You would probably rather play them in the second last game where the league is done and it is wrapped up and they don't have the excitement of winning the league at our stadium.

"Our last game against Celtic at Tannadice was a really good, positive performance where we were able to take a really valuable point so we have to maintain the high standards we have shown recently.

"There are a lot of incentives there for us. We want to delay those title celebrations for another week if possible."

'Five huge games' to come for United

United have enjoyed a great first season back in the top flight and sit three points behind Hibernian in the race for third place.

Expectations for a promoted team may have been surpassed but that does not mean the pressure is off.

"I don't accept that," said Goodwin. "I have been trying to make sure the players don't have that kind of mindset going into the last five games either.

"Of course there was a sigh of relief when the top six was secured but at no stage have we taken our foot off the pedal and relaxed in training.

"The guys aren't getting any extra days off. There are still five huge games for us, a lot of points to play for."

In a tight contest for European places, United are sandwiched between Aberdeen and Hibs, who meet this weekend.

"Something is going to give at Pittodrie, there are going to be points dropped by one of the two teams and we have got to try and capitalise on it," said Goodwin.

"We are going to be huge underdogs but teams have proven already, like St Johnstone only a few weeks ago, that if you get your tactics right on the day, if you defend properly and you take your one or two opportunities that you get, then you can cause an upset."