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.
5. Dante Polvara (Aberdeen) - out
The 24-year-old American is back in training after injury, but will not be ready in time to make the squad for Saturday's semi-final at Hampden. | Michael Probst Photo: Michael Probst
6. Adam Idah (Celtic) - doubt
The manager is hopeful of having Adam Idah to call on against Aberdeen this weekend after he missed the midweek win over Dundee with an injured ankle. "He's still a bit sore, a bit swollen, but the medical team tell me he's done a bit of work today" said Brendan Rodgers on Wednesday evening, who later confirmed he expected he to be "fine" to play, if required. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Greg Taylor (Celtic) - available
The Scotland international returned against Dundee in midweek and has had no adverse reaction to the injury that ruled him out of the recent games against Ross County, Aberdeen, Atalanta and Motherwell. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group