It will be a Premiership classic when Celtic host Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Saturday. Last season’s top two go head to head against each other in Scottish Premiership’s blockbuster fixture this weekend. The Hoops are placed second on the table with six points, one less than rivals Rangers although Celtic have a game in hand. Aberdeen, on the other hand, have five points on the board from three games sitting fourth.
Celtic secured their place in the Champions League with a 5-4 aggregate win against Hapoel Be’er Sheva from Israel and now they will focus on their domestic throne. The Hoops have defeated Hearts 2-1 and St. Johnstone 4-2 so far this season and will be keen to make it three out of three as they host the Dons. Aberdeen had a rather slow start to the new campaign with two back to back 0-0 draws against St. Johnstone and Hearts but picked three points against Partick Thistle thanks to a 2-1 win.
Celtic and Aberdeen met each other four times last season and won two games each and we can expect an exciting encounter this time too. Here is the predicted Celtic lineup against Aberdeen.
Defence
New signing Dorus de Vries is fit now but is unlikely to get the nod ahead of Craig Gordon in such a big game. Mikael Lustig will definitely keep his place in the right-back position. Kolo Toure has been a regular feature at the heart of the defence for the Hoops since his arrival and the Ivorian is likely to keep his place at the back. Danish international Erik Sviatchenko is likely to partner the veteran. Youngster Kieran Tierney will start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown will start in the middle of the park alongside Israel international Nir Bitton. Aussie international playmaker Tom Rogic will start as the number 10. Scott Sinclair and James Forrest are likely to start on the flanks. The two have done really well so far this season and even though Patrick Roberts is back from injury, the youngster might have to settle for a place on the bench only.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths will be the undisputed choice up front from Rodgers ahead of Moussa Dembele. Six goals in all competitions already, Griffiths will pose the biggest threat to the Aberdeen backline.
