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.
5. LB: Greg Taylor
Brendan Rodgers has a really tough call at left-back this with Alex Valle performing admirably in the absence of Taylor in recent weeks. However, with the Scotland international fit again, it feels likely that he will be preferred to the young Spaniard due to his big game experience. | SNS Group
6. CM: Callum McGregor
The skipper is fit again after an abductor issue and will lead the side out at Hampden Park. | SNS Group
7. CM: Reo Hatate
With Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo both in strong form, Brendan Rodgers has a real selection dilemma in midfield. Hatate's quality on the ball and ability to pick the right pass gives him the nod though for the semi-final clash at Hampden Park. | CM: Reo Hatate
8. CM: Arne Engels
His goal on Wednesday against Dundee will be a big boost after some underwhelming performances of late. Saturday's game will provide the £11million signing with further big game experience, with Paulo Bernardo able to replace the Belgian later in the game. | SNS Group