Brendan Rodgers could be just hours away from his first silverware in Scottish football. Celtic will be up against rivals Aberdeen in the League Cup final on Sunday at Hampden Park and will head into the game as major favourites. Rodgers has done an excellent work at Parkhead since taking over the club in the summer and deserves every piece of glory to show for it but Aberdeen, in the Cup final, won’t be a cakewalk for the Hoops at all.
Celtic have met Aberdeen twice this season already and both times they came out winners. The first time, the game ended 4-1 in favour of the Bhoys while the second time, it ended 0-1 at Pittodrie. Aberdeen have made their way into the final beating the likes of Ayr United, St. Johnstone and Greenock Morton while Rodgers’ side have seen off Motherwell, Alloa and arch rivals Rangers.
Rodgers has already become a fan-favourite at Celtic in such a short amount of time and their first trophy of the season will only take his popularity to a higher level. On the contrary, Derek John McInnes has truly established the Dons as a top 3 team in Scottish football and helped them to finish runners-up in the Premiership in the past couple of seasons. So, the Dons will also fancy their chances.
Team news
Aberdeen
Celtic winger Scott Sinclair is a major doubt after coming off at half-time in midweek against Barcelona. But striker Leigh Griffiths has returned from his hamstring problem, while Kieran Tierney remains out.
Predicted lineups
Aberdeen (4-4-2): Lewis; Logan, Taylor, Considine, Shinnie; Hayes, McLean, Jack, McGinn; Rooney, Stockley
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Sviatchenko, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Brown, McGregor; Forrest, Rogic, Armstrong; 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 six times this from just 9 games. He will be a player to watch out for at Hampden Park.
Celtic- Moussa Dembele
Dembele has turned out to be a sensation at Parkhead since his summer switch from Fulham. 16 goals from 25 games in all competitions- Dembele has been the best player in the Premiership this season and could cause havoc against Aberdeen.
Odds
Aberdeen win @59/10
Draw @13/4
Celtic win @4/7
