Celtic will travel to Pittodrie on Saturday for an early kick-off against second placed Aberdeen. The Dons were the only team that could challenge Celtic’s monopoly in Scottish football to some extent in the last couple of seasons and this season too, they are sitting the closest to the in-from Hoops.
Although the difference between Celtic and Aberdeen is seven points now with Celtic having a game in hand, this could very well be the game that could bring an end to Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten record in domestic football in Scotland.
It was not even a close contest when the two sides played each other earlier this season in the Premiership. Celtic thrashed the Dons 4-1 at Parkhead in August with Griffiths, Forrest, Sinclair and Rogic finding the back of the net. Aberdeen forward Adam Rooney scored the only goal for Derek McInnes’s side that time out.
Aberdeen are on the back of a 1-0 loss against Hamilton Academical in the midweek while Celtic won emphatically at Ross County. Brendan Rodgers rested a number of his key players against Ross County in the midweek and still managed to win 4-0. Until this point, the Premiership has proven to be too easy for the Hoops. However, a loss tomorrow at Aberdeen can change the scenario.
Team news
Aberdeen
Defender Ash Taylor and striker Jayden Stockley have bo0th returned from injury while Captain Ryan Jack could also make a return to the starting XI after his comeback.
Celtic
Brendan Rodgers has a fully fit and a big squad to choose from. With an important midweek Champions League encounter against Borussia Monchengladbach on the cards, Rodgers’s team selection will be something to look forward to.
Predicted lineups
Aberdeen (4-2-3-1): Lewis; Logan, Taylor, Considine, Shinnie; Jack, McLean; Hayes, Maddison, Burns; Rooney
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Sviatchenko, Simunovic, Tierney; Brown, Bitton; Forrest, Rogic, Sinclair; Dembele
Key players
Aberdeen- Jonny Hayes
The 29-year-old winger has been in impressive form this season scoring twice and setting up his teammates four times this season from just 6 games. He will be a player to watch out for when Aberdeen take on Celtic.
Celtic- Moussa Dembele
The 20-year-old sensation started from the bench against Ross County in the midweek but Leigh Griffiths could not deliver when the chance was offered to him. We expect the youngster to make his way back to the starting XI against Aberdeen. With 15 goals from 21 games so far for Celtic, Dembele will be looking to add to his tally against the Dons.
Odds
Aberdeen win @4/1
Draw @3/1
Celtic win @8/13
