Celtic are set to take on Aberdeen in a crucial game towards the tail end of the Scottish Premiership season. Can the Celts maintain their grip on the title, or will the Dons rock the apple cart?
Celtic and Aberdeen have played each other twice this season – once at Celtic Park, once at Pittodrie Stadium.
In the first game, Celtic emerged 2-0 victors in a dominant display from the Bhoys. Goals from youngster Stephen Welsh and Jota ensured that the Celts would claim all three points.
The second game, this time at Aberdeen, was a more difficult encounter – but nevertheless, Celtic prevailed. In this game, Aberdeen were able to keep the scores level until late on, despite only registering two shots all game (neither of which were on target).
Eventually, Callum McGregor broke the deadlock in the 87th minute to give Celtic the win. Notably, Celtic had almost all of the possession in this game – 81% to Aberdeen’s 19%.
Celtic fans and manager Ange Postecoglou will be collectively biting their fingernails over the fitness of Kyogo Furuhashi. He’s currently a doubt and could be rested to ensure his fitness for the Celts’ Scottish League Cup final game against Rangers.
The Bhoys will be without the services of Benjamin Siegrist and James McCarthy for the game against Aberdeen. On top of this, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Sead Hakasabanovic. Of these three, Hakasabanovic is the most likely to play, having been brought on as a late substitute in Celtic’s win over St. Mirren in their previous game.