Aberdeen vs Celtic: Another treble awaits at Hampden for Bhoys

Date: Saturday 24 May

Time: 15:00

Venue: Hampden Park

Aberdeen state of play

At one stage of the season, Aberdeen looked on course to finish second in the Premiership after a strong start under Jimmy Thelin.

Following a 6-0 thrashing by Celtic in the League Cup semi-final last November, they haven’t looked the same. Indeed, the Dons won just six of their final 28 league games, eventually slipping to fifth in the table.

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Should Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup, they will secure group stage European football. Plenty of incentive for Thelin’s men then.

Celtic state of play

Celtic are eyeing their second treble in three seasons and their sixth in nine campaigns. Brendan Rodgers’ side won two of their final four league fixtures as they claimed a fourth championship in a row.

Effectively, the club had wrapped up the league title by January, despite beating Old Firm rivals Rangers only once in the Premiership all season.

Nevertheless, they head into Hampden with a wonderful chance to secure a record-extending 43rd Scottish Cup triumph.

Key talking point: Luke McCowan can be the hero for Celtic at Hampden

McCowan has enjoyed an excellent debut season at Celtic since arriving from Dundee last summer. Across 48 games for the club, he has scored 10 times and registered 15 assists.

Against Aberdeen in the most recent league meeting two weeks ago, the Scottish midfielder was on fire.

He grabbed Celtic’s third goal during the afternoon, while providing assists for Maik Nawrocki and Johnny Kenny in the 5-1 thrashing.

Rodgers hasn’t lost against Aberdeen this season across five meetings. The 2-2 draw back in October certainly earmarked the Dons as challengers to finish second, but they have lost the last four games against the Glasgow side by an aggregate score of 17-2.

Given their collapse over the final few league fixtures, confidence surely won't be high among the Pittodrie side.

They have threatened in spells against Celtic this season, however. Two weeks ago, the score was 1-1 heading into the closing stages of the first half before things fell to pieces.

In the 2-2 draw, Aberdeen came from two goals down and had chances to win in the final minutes. Can they put together a solid performance across the full 90 minutes? 

FIRST’s top tip for Aberdeen vs Celtic

Celtic to win and both teams to score – 29/20 (BetMGM)

Extra tips

McCowan has scored once and recorded three assists against Aberdeen this season. Given how well Celtic are playing right now, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get on the scoresheet.

Luke McCowan to score anytime vs Aberdeen – 5/2 (Coral)

In four of the five matches between the two sides this season, two or more goals have been scored in the first half. With Celtic keen to get off to a hot start, expect a busy opening 45 minutes.

Over 1.5 first half goals – 11/10 (Coral)

This game should see plenty of goals, while Daizen Maeda has scored 33 times this term, including five against Aberdeen.

Over 2.5 goals and Daizen Maeda to score – 13/8 (BetMGM)

Team News

Celtic will be without Reo Hatate for the Scottish Cup final after he suffered an injury against Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago.

Aside from that, Rodgers has a full strength squad to choose from.

Aberdeen defender Jack McKenzie is in line to feature, despite being bizarrely hit by a chair against Dundee United last week.

The only players missing will be Sivert Heltne Nilsen, Vicente Besuijen and Ester Sokler as Thelin has a near full strength squad to pick from.

Aberdeen vs Celtic predicted lineups

Aberdeen: Mitov; Jensen, Tobers, Knoester, Shinnie; Clarkson, Polvara; Keskinen, McGrath, Okkels; Nisbet (4-2-3-1)

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McCowan, McGregor, Engels; Maeda, Idah, Kuhn (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Aberdeen: DWWDWWLLLL

Celtic: LWLWWWDWWD

Odds correct at the time of writing