Celtic and Aberdeen will look to continue their almost perfect start to the campaign this weekend as they clash in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side eased past Dundee with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday to keep their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while Aberdeen cemented their place as genuine title contenders by downing Rangers 2-1 at Pittodrie. The teams are tied at the top, level on points with a nine points gap between themselves Philippe Clement’s struggling Rangers side in third.
An entertaining 2-2 draw between the sides at Celtic Park earlier this month was the first and only time either of the duo have dropped points this season, meaning this weekend’s game has the potential to be an absolute classic in Mount Florida.
Both sides will be aiming to navigate past the final four stage of the Premier Sports Cup and edge closer to lifting the first silverware of the Scottish domestic season.
Ahead of the game, both sides have players nursing injuries, though three key players are hopeful of returning for the vital clash at Hampden.
The Scotsman assess both Celtic and Aberdeen’s injury doubts ahead of Saturday’s match.
1. Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen) - doubt
Had hoped to be fit for the visit of Rangers in midweek, but was not included in the squad for the 2-1 win. Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin confirmed the club’s physios are working hard to get the loanee fit, though he remains a doubt for the weekend. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic) - available
The German winger was another who missed the midweek win over Dundee, with Brendan Rodgers confirmed he had a sore hip after the game at the weekend. He is expected to be available for the game at Hampden against Aberdeen, according to the head coach. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Pape Habib Gueye (Aberdeen) - out
The Senegalese international started the season in incredible form, but is not expected back until the new year after suffering a quad muscle tear in training at the start of the month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Callum McGregor (Celtic) - available
The Celtic captain has sat out the last two games with an abductor issue, but Brendan Rodgers said he expects him to return for the game against Aberdeen. | SNS Group