Dundee currently hold the final Europa league spot, but they could still lose it to Aberdeen if they lose to Rangers and Aberdeen beat Hibs. United currently have 53 points from 37 games, and would have secured their spot in Europe last week with a favourable result against Hearts. Unfortunately, Craig Levein’s men lost 3-0.
Early strikes from Lee Wallace and Bruno Aguiar put Hearts 2-0 ahead, and Eggert Jonsson added a third from the spot in the second half to condemn Dundee United to their 10th loss of the season. Warren Feeney is still unavailable, but Francisco Sandaza is expected to recover from his hamstring problem.
Rangers currently lead Celtic by two points at the top of the table, but the trip to Tannadice is one they’d rather not make, given their away form against United in recent years. Walter Smith’s men have not won at Tannadice in nearly three years now, and with United also looking for a spot in Europe, Rangers will have their work cut out.
Rangers beat Aberdeen 2-1 last week in a game that marked Barry Ferguson’s first start since Boozegate. An own goal from Richard Foster and a Kyle Lafferty header was enough for Rangers to win. Gers also had Majid Bougherra sent off, but the SFA has rescinded the card, and the Algerian is free to play against Dundee United.
Celtic takes on Hearts this Sunday 24 may 2009.Victory against the hearts is Mandatory if they are to retain the Scottish Premier League title this Sunday. Rangers lead Celtic by two points going into the final round of fixtures, but a loss or draw for the Gers at Tannadice, coupled with a win for Celtic.
This could also be Shunsuke Nakamura’s last league game for Celtic. The Japanese playmaker is expected to return to his native country in the summer, despite Celtic’s efforts to make him stay for another season. PFA player of the year Scott Brown, who was substituted in the closing stages of the game with an ankle injury, is expected to be fit for the clash against Hearts.
It has been nothing short of a great season for Hearts. Csaba Laszlo’s men have already booked a spot in next season’s Europa League, and could decide the course of the SPL title on Sunday. Hearts beat Dundee United 3-0 in their last game, with goals from Lee Wallace, Bruno Aguiar and Eggert Jonsson.
