Celtic will look to progress to the final of the Premier Sports Cup semi-final as they make the short journey to Hampden Park to face Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon (kick-off: 5.30pm).
Brendan Rodgers’ side head into the fixture on the back of a routine midweek win over Dundee, where a strike from Alistair Johnston and an Arne Engels penalty kept them top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of their weekend opponents on goal difference.
As for Aberdeen, they head to Glasgow boosted by a monumental win over Rangers. Goals from Nicky Devlin and Shayden Morris handed Jimmy Thelin’s side a deserved 2-1 victory, which leaves both Celtic and Aberdeen nine points clear of Philippe Clement’s Gers outfit and unbeaten domestically.
However, attention will turn to the League Cup this weekend and, with both sides unbeaten domestically, something has to give at Hampden Park.
Celtic could have a full strength squad to choose from, with Rodgers confirming injured trio Nicolas Kuhn, Callum McGregor and Adam Idah are all “fine” for the game, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor made a successful return from injury in the Celts midweek win over Dundee.
The Celtic head coach has plenty of options to choose from, so how will the Celtic team look against Aberdeen on Saturday evening?
The Scotsman predict the Celtic starting XI for their Premier Sports Cup clash at Hampden, using live photos from today’s training session.
1. GK: Kasper Schmeichel
Has proven to be an excellent replacement for Joe Hart. Will look to get to his first final with Celtic at the weekend. | SNS Group
2. RB: Alistair Johnston
The Canadian goal-machine will look to add to his tally by grabbing his first goal at Hampden. | SNS Group
3. CB: Liam Scales
Rested in midweek against Dundee, the big Irishman will return to the starting XI against Aberdeen. | SNS Group
4. CB: Auston Trusty
Fellow American Cameron Carter-Vickers is fit again, but it would be harsh for Brendan Rodgers to drop Trusty after an excellent few weeks at the heart of the Celtic defence. | SNS Group