Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou expects this year’s title race to go to the wire.

The Parkhead side host Dundee United this afternoon in a game they already cannot afford to lose given the three defeats they have had on the road so far this term to Hearts, Rangers and Livingston.

Despite the loss of ground Celtic remain just four points off the pace of league leaders Rangers with the Greek-Australian predicting a close finish to the championship. 

Celtic limply conceded the title last term with Rangers romping to it with a massive 25-point chasm between the sides.

“I have got a feeling this year is going to be pretty close,” said Postecoglou. 

“I could way out of line because historically there has been dominance one way of the other, but that is the way I see it. 

“It is a tight league with a number of teams fighting for position. I think it will be exciting. 

“I have got through the first three months so I reckon I am in shape for what is ahead. I am looking forward to it.”

Postecoglou has been hindered by the loss of key personnel at various times while he has been in the process of rebuilding the squad.

“It has been challenging for sure,” he said. “We have tried to do as much as we can in a short space of time in terms of changing the squad and changing the way we play. 

“We have had some disruption with injuries so it has been a challenging time but equally I have enjoyed it immensely. 

“I knew coming into it there were going to be some ups and downs along the way and we have certainly felt them but at the same time it is what it is. 

“That is the kind of club we are. We want to be in every competition and we want to win every competition. 

“That means you are playing a lot of games and it is hectic but you have to be up for all those games because we are expected to win them. It is challenging because the Premiership is relentless but it is exactly where I want to be.”