MX23RW : Friday, November 1 01:12:29| >> :120:40790:40790:
[monks data]
Celtic logo
Scottish League Cup | Semi-Finals
Nov 2, 2024 at 5.30pm UK
Hampden Park
Aberdeen logo

Celtic
vs.
Aberdeen

Preview: Celtic vs. Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish League Cup clash between Celtic and Aberdeen, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

On Saturday evening, either Celtic or Aberdeen will see their unbeaten domestic record at the beginning of the 2024-25 season come to an end as they face up in the Scottish League Cup semifinals.

The hosts have achieved 11 wins and one draw from 12 domestic matches this season, while the visitors have an impressive record of 15 wins and one draw from their 16 games in domestic competitions.


Match preview

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during his side's match against Ross County, on October 6, 2024© Imago

Aside from a humiliating 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Celtic have enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2024-25 season, including remaining unbeaten in all domestic competitions.

Brendan Rodgers' side have played 15 games across all competitions, winning 12, drawing two and losing just one, as well as winning 11 and drawing one of their 12 matches in domestic tournaments.

Those results have unsurprisingly placed them at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with 28 points, tied with Aberdeen, however, they lead the Dons due to an impressive goal difference of 26 from 10 games, having scored 29 goals while conceding just three.

The Bhoys dropped points for the first time when these two sides matched up on matchday eight of the league campaign, squandering a 2-0 lead at halftime to eventually draw 2-2, but they quickly returned to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph against Motherwell and 2-0 over Dundee.

Now looking to extend their unbeaten start in Scottish competitions, Celtic will face Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup, with a place in the final up for grabs.

In comparison to their opponents, the Dons have not suffered a defeat in any competition this season, remaining unbeaten in their first 16 matches, although they are not participating in any European tournaments.

Jimmy Thelin, who was appointed in the summer ahead of the 2024-25 term, has made the dream start to life in Scotland, winning 15 and drawing one after 16 outings.

That start is in stark contrast to how their 2023-24 campaign played out, where Aberdeen placed ninth in the pre-split tournament and went through three managers, Barry Robson, Neil Warnock and Peter Leven.

Although the Dons impressively came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Celtic in their league encounter, they were largely outplayed by the Bhoys, a scenario they will be keen to avoid this time.

Aberdeen's players will have the added incentive of attempting to better their run in the Scottish League Cup last season, where they got to the final before being narrowly defeated 1-0 by Rangers.

Celtic Scottish League Cup form:


Celtic form (all competitions):


Aberdeen Scottish League Cup form:


Aberdeen form (all competitions):



Team News

Aberdeen Manager Jimmy Thelin during the Premier Sports Scottish League Cup match between Aberdeen and Queens Park on August 17, 2024© Imago

Adam Idah is unavailable for the hosts after the striker suffered an ankle injury against Motherwell, meaning Kyogo Furuhashi is likely to lead the line alongside Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda.

Elsewhere, Alistair Johnston is expected to come back into the team after starting on the bench last time out, while Cameron Carter-Vickers could also start for just the second time since returning from injury.

As for the Dons, Dante Polvara and Pape Habib Gueye are both ruled out with injuries, with the latter not likely to return until at least January.

Duk is also a doubt for Aberdeen after the forward was taken off in the 55th minute of their 2-1 win against Rangers in their last outing, meaning Shayden Morris could start.


Celtic possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Valle; McCowan, Bernardo, Engels; Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, Mackenzie; Shinnie, Nilsen; Keskinen, McGrath, Morris; Sokler


SM words green background

We say: Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen

Both teams have had impressive starts to the 2024-25 season, and although they drew 2-2 in their previous encounter, Celtic were clearly the dominant side, leading us to expect a similar outcome this time with a victory for the Bhoys.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:556951:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11673:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Data Failed

Who will win Saturday's Scottish League Cup clash between Celtic and Aberdeen?

Celtic
Draw
Aberdeen
Celtic
77.8%
Draw
11.1%
Aberdeen
11.1%
9
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Rangers manager Philippe Clement on April 28, 2024
Read Next:
Wednesday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Aberdeen vs. Rangers
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
12.15am
Texans
@
Jets
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!