GLASGOW: Ronny Deila has backed Celtic to sweep to the finish line as the champions look to secure the points they need to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
The Hoops, who are eight points clear with five matches remaining, could clinch their fourth consecutive title if they win their next three games against Dundee United, Dundee and Aberdeen.
However, the Glasgow giants could be crowned champions sooner if nearest rivals Aberdeen slip up before their clash on May 10.
But Celtic boss Deila says his side will concentrate on their own matches, starting with Dundee United on Sunday, as they aim to add the title to the League Cup they won in March.
"If we just keep continuing to win and if Aberdeen keep winning that's the first chance to do it, but we have been good to focus on the next game," Deila said.
"We have another important game on Sunday and you can see it getting closer but also the games are getting bigger."
Sunday's trip to Tannadice to take on United will be the seventh time the two sides have clashed after meeting in the League Cup final and Scottish Cup quarter-final.
The Hoops have won five of those encounters and lost just once, but after some fiery fixtures between the sides already this season Deila is still expecting a hard game.
"I have a lot of respect for Dundee United. They have had a good season but it was tough for them after they lost two players when we got Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong, but it's going to be a tough game on Sunday," he said.
"I expect it'll be a high intensity game but hopefully without any red cards and we can play 11 v 11 as that's the most fun thing to do and that's what we're aiming for."
Despite just one win in their past 12 matches, Dundee United are still chasing third position and the final Europa League spot.
And manager Jackie McNamara, who could welcome back John Rankin and Aidan Connolly for the match, is hopefully of testing his former side.
"We know what's at stake and we want to finish the season as strongly as possible," McNamara said.
"You always hope an occasion like this can bring out the best in the players. That's the way we've got to look at it and hopefully it will come Sunday.
"We know they're a strong side but we just have to look after ourselves.
"We have to focus on what we're good at and hope to play that way on Sunday."
Adam Matthews and Stefan Johansen return to the Celtic squad, but defenders Charlie Mulgrew and Mikael Lustig are still out.
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