It’s semi-final weekend at Hampden and what a blockbuster to kick things off as Celtic and Aberdeen go head to head again.
The unbeaten Premiership duo clashed just a couple of weeks ago at Parkhead with Jimmy Thelin and his troops roaring back from two goals down to claim a share of the spoils in Glasgow’s east end. They’ve since matched each other stride for stride with just goal difference keeping them apart in the league standings after midweek wins over Rangers and Dundee.
But the top flight is pushed to one side this weekend with all eyes on booking a spot in the Premier Sports Cup Final. It’s set to be a massive occasion under the lights in Mount Florida. Both sides will be desperate to book a return to Hampden in December for the showpiece and the chance to lift the first trophy on offer this season – but to do that, they will need to get over the semi-final hurdle. Brendan Rodgers and Thelin have done all their homework and preparation. It’s now time for the talking to be done on the grass and Record Sport’s top team have delivered their predictions on how things will go at the national stadium on Saturday evening.
Scott Burns
Aberdeen are going in on an unbelievable run of form and have been a breath of fresh air. Jimmy Thelin has transformed them and shown he can get results against Celtic and Rangers. If he can win on Saturday then it would be a gamechanger. I just think Celtic’s big game know-how might just edge it, but can you write the Dons off?
Celtic 2 Aberdeen 1
Craig Swan
Celtic have the quality to hurt Aberdeen and will have taken the defensive concentration warnings dished out by the Dons two weeks ago into Hampden. Brendan Rodgers can extend his brilliant run at the National Stadium.
Celtic 3 Aberdeen 1
Gavin Berry
These two battled out a Hampden thriller at the same stage of the Scottish Cup last season, going all the way to penalties. It could be another classic given incredible start the Reds have made to the campaign but the Hoops to edge it on spot-kicks again.
Celtic 2 Aberdeen 2 (Celtic to win on penalties after extra-time)
Graeme Young
There’s a romantic notion to Aberdeen’s rousing return to form, however, Celtic under Rodgers’ guidance at Hampden is the fixture no one can seem to overcome.
Expect Jimmy Thelin’s gutsy side to push it all the way but ultimately wilt once the game heads to extra time. Rodgers’ added depth will pay off.
Celtic 3 Aberdeen 1 (after extra-time)
Andy Newport
Jimmy Thelin’s rampant Reds have had a quite remarkable start to the season and deserve every drop of praise that’s been heaped upon them. But you do get the feeling the Pittodrie side are operating at their absolute maximum level and if Celtic hit their straps, they might just be too much for the Dons shock troops.
Celtic 3 Aberdeen 1