Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie

An eye-catching pre-match fireworks display at Pittodrie.

Let's hope we get some fireworks on the park.

A terrific atmosphere being generated by a big crowd in the Granite City.

We'll also have reaction from the three o'clock games filtering through while this game is on the go.

Away we go in our final Premiership action of the day.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin reports that defenders Ross Graham and Ryan Strain should not be out for too long despite missing out tonight at Pittodrie and hopes absences do not disrupt recent momentum.

"We had a really positive week last week, although we would have liked a couple more points," he tells BBC Scotland.

"To come through those games against Motherwell, Celtic and Hibs undefeated was a big week for us and we are going into another big week now.

"That puts demands on the players and a few limped off against Hibs, so we have four big players out, but it is a chance for others to come in.

"The last three games give the boys a bit of confidence, but Aberdeen have changed their shape and it seems to suit their game. They have a settled structure, so we know we have to be at our best."

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin is hoping to improve his side's results at Pittodrie, where they have won two or their latest seven outings, and has been explaining the thinking behind the changes to his his starting line-up to face United.

"It is the same formation as usual, but we are looking to be more on the front foot because they [United] are good in transitions and we want to control the game in a better way," he tells BBC Scotland.

"We have had setbacks in the last two games, although Sparta and Celtic played very well in those games, and we want to show today we are back again."

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland: "We obviously haven't had enough of those [good performances] thus far. We played more like how we train, with more fluency in our passing.

"The second half wasn't as fluent; it was a different type of performance. There was a nervousness around the stadium and understandably so. I thought the players were terrific, they played with such passion, determination and courage.

"The one thing I say about this group of players is that they train properly. They play with such determination. I can honestly say there have been very few occasions where they haven't applied themselves."

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

I've never seen a Celtic team give away so many opportunities. If you're playing that way, strap yourself in, you have to win.

Kilmarnock interim manager Kris Doolan tells BBC Scotland: "Delighted, in the context of the game, the way things have been going for the club. Any team that comes to St Mirren will find it difficult.

"It's the first clean sheet since October, since we last played St Mirren, so huge positives to take. The fans can go away happy with what they've seen today and the players can be happy with the support they got.

"Again, we looked a threat, we looked on the front foot. I asked the team not to just defend on the front foot, but play attacking-wise on the front foot. It doesn't change for me.

[On the permanent job] "No, not at all. My position is not important just now.

"It's about getting results, it's about the club. The club will always be first. It's day-to-day and I'll just get my head down and get ready for Dundee now."

Image source, SNS

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie

Up until nine days ago, it looked like Aberdeen had turned a corner thanks to a much-needed upturn in form.

However, the Dons have been on the end of back-to-back chastening defeats to Sparta Prague and Celtic.

A home win over Dundee United would go some way to getting them back on track ahead of a tough trio of away games [at Hibs, Falkirk and Rangers].

Dundee United travel north having steadied the ship following a decent return of five points from their past three games – against Motherwell, Celtic and Hibs.

Jim Goodwin’s side are just three points behind the hosts and know a win would provide clear evidence that they are a team very much now with the wind in their sails.

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Danny Rohl has told Sportsound: "I'm very happy for the group. Except for the first 15 minutes we were good in the game, especially at the end we had so many chances we had to close the game.

"After the Hearts game you can criticise him [Jack Butland] but today he showed why I trust him so much. It was an outstanding performance, it's important for a clean sheet.

"It's about the next game and the next three points.

"It's a long, long way, a long journey and a lot of games to go. It's about the next challenge we have.

"We are still in the race but a lot of games to go. I think after the Hearts defeat the question was different, today we have this question. I understand but it's about the next game and the next three points."

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Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy tells BBC Scotland: "Really happy with the spirit because we came from behind twice and this is something I like to see.

"After that we scored four goals in the first half but in the second half we could have been better, we could have controlled the game a little bit better.

"I think this is the next step, to be able to control this kind of game better but I liked the attitude, the competitive spirit, against a difficult team to play. I'm really pleased with my players.

"I wanted to have a chaotic game and when there is the moment we have to attack quick, we need to score goals. If you control the game a bit better we would have been able to spend more time in their half and attack the ball a bit better.

"The two goals we conceded could have been better. After the first one we didn't fix the mistake. I think we can do better. After the two goals I felt we were a bit stronger, we were better with defending set pieces but I don't want my team to concede goals."

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Both managers make three changes at Pittodrie.

Captain Graeme Shinnie, midfielder Dante Polvara and striker Kevin Nisbet return to Jimmy Thelin's starting line-up following Aberdeen's 3-1 defeat by Celtic.

Alexander Jensen and Marko Lazetic drop to the bench, with Dylan Lobban missing through suspension following his red card at Celtic Park.

Jim Goodwin is forced into major changes at the back as the United manager faces his former side.

Iurie Iovu returns from injury, with Bert Esselink and Dario Naamo coming in for the injured Ross Graham and Ryan Strain, while Luca Stephenson is missing through suspension.

Krisztian Keresztes was touch and go with a calf problem, but the defender has recovered from the injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Hibs and starts the game.

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Annan Athletic 2-2 Stranraer

Dumbarton 1-2 Stirling Albion

East Kilbride 1-1 Clyde

Edinburgh City 1-3 Spartans

Forfar Athletic 4-2 Elgin City

Alloa Athletic 0-0 Stenhousemuir

East Fife 0-1 Kelty Hearts

Montrose 2-1 Inverness CT

Peterhead 0-4 Cove Rangers

Queen of the South 4-1 Hamilton Academical

Arbroath 1-1 Airdrieonians

Greenock Morton 1-1 Ayr United

Queen's Park 2-2 Partick Thistle

Raith Rovers 1-2 Dunfermline Athletic

Ross County 0-0 St Johnstone

Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Knoester, Milne, Karlsson, Shinnie, Armstrong, Keskinen, Polvara, Aouchiche, Nisbet.

Substitutes: Suman, Heltne Nilsen, Clarkson, Milanovic, Bilalovic, Lazetic, Jensen, Kjartansson, Gyamfi.

Dundee United: Richards, Esselink, Iovu, Sevelj, Ferry, Sibbald, Amar Fatah, Naamo, Keresztes, Sapsford, Watters.

Substitutes: Kucherenko, Adams, Trapanovski, Eskesen, Dolcek, Stirton, Cleall-Harding, Constable, Moller.

One more game to come.

Team news from Pittodrie coming right up.

A fourth win of the season for Dundee takes them three points clear of second-bottom Kilmarnock.

Yan Dhanda knocked in a penalty in first-half stoppage-time and the home side were able to hang on after a late red card for Simon Murray.

Thelo Aasgaard with the only goal in a lively game at Ibrox.

It takes Rangers above Motherwell and into third place, six points behind Celtic in second.

The Steelmen lose in the league for the first time since mid-October.

Wilfried Nancy picks up his second victory as Celtic manager after a six-goal first half in Livingston.

The hosts certainly gave it a right good go of it but ultimately Celtic's quality won out.

The champions are now three points behind league leaders Hearts with a game in hand after the Edinburgh club were beaten by rivals Hibernian earlier on.

Livingston remain rock bottom with a visit from Dundee United looming before a trip to Hearts.

Image source, SNS