Chris Sutton has laid out the situation clearly as Celtic prepare for Dens Park, with the former striker pointing to both the pressure and the unpredictability around the Hoops. Results elsewhere have left Celtic with no room for error, and the job looks simple on paper but rarely is in this fixture.

Dundee have already shown they can deal with this game. They’ve taken points off Celtic this season and made things difficult even when they haven’t won. They sit in, stay tight, and wait for mistakes rather than forcing the pace.

Celtic will dominate the ball. That’s expected. The problem has been what happens when they reach the final third. The build-up is often fine, but the final action hasn’t been.

Sutton’s view goes straight to that point, focusing on the lack of consistency and the drop in goals that has followed Celtic through the season.

He said: (Sky Sports Scotland), “You’re just not quite sure what you’re going to see from Celtic.

“It’s a game Celtic must win.

“They’re miles off it in the final third.

“Last season they scored 112… this season 56. That’s half.

“They haven’t played with a proper centre-forward all season.”

That drop in numbers changes how these games look. Without a striker holding the centre-backs, crosses are easier to clear and second balls are harder to pick up.

At Dens Park, that matters. Dundee defend their box well and don’t leave space in behind. If Celtic take too long, the game settles into something Dundee are comfortable with.

The way through is quicker play and earlier decisions. Get the ball forward before the defence is set, and get bodies into the box.

If that doesn’t happen, it turns into another long afternoon.