Friday, March 29, 2024

Prediction: Celtic vs Aberdeen

Verdict: Celtic to score in both halves

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to open the defence of their Premiership campaign with a flurry on Sunday afternoon, Celtic will welcome Aberdeen to Glasgow.

Celtic

Starting with the hosts, managing to reclaim their domestic crown last season after a hugely impressive campaign under Ange Postecoglou, Celtic should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. With a Champions League group stage adventure on the horizon, the one-time Melbourne Victory boss has seen his side catch the eye this summer. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win against Championship outfit Norwich, the Hoops were unbeaten in each of their six friendly matchups. Likewise, drawing a close to the 2021/22 campaign with a thumping 6-0 romp against Motherwell in Glasgow, Postecoglou will be looking for his side to lay down an early marker here. It should also be noted, along with storming their way to another domestic crown last season, Celtic also gained a fearsome reputation for their performances on home soil. On what was a remarkable run of form, Sunday’s hosts were unbeaten in Glasgow throughout the whole of last year’s campaign, dropping points on just three occasions.

Team News

Making the move to Celtic on a free transfer this summer, former Huddersfield midfielder Aaron Mooy could be handed a debut on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Hoops are sweating over the fitness of Carl Starfelt, Moritz Jenz and Yosuke Ideguchi here.

Aberdeen

As for the visitors, after just about limping their way over the finish line last season, there is no doubt that Aberdeen will be seeking some stability this time around. Really at the heart of a relegation scrap earlier in the year, Jim Goodwin’s side should at least be boosted by a welcomed boost over the summer. Opening up their League Cup adventure on July 10th with a 2-0 victory against Peterhead on the road, the Reds have won each of their previous four competetive outings. However, knowing that they face a real task when they open the 2022/23 campaign in Glasgow this weekend, it should be noted that Aberdeen showed a string of issues on the road last season. On a run highlighted by a 1-0 loss against St. Johnstone, Sunday’s guests failed to win any of their last 10 Premiership contests away from Pittodrie. Failing to pick up a single victory against Celtic from any of their previous 17 straight meetings.

Team News

Picking up a knock on League Cup duties last week,19-year-old Connor Barron will miss Sunday’s opener in Glasgow.

Making the loan move from Celtic this summer, defender Liam Scales will not feature against his parent club.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides last faced off back on February 9th, Celtic picked up a 3-2 victory at Pittodrie.
    • The Hoops have won each of their last three meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
    • Celtic are unbeaten against Aberdeen in their last 17 straight meetings across all formats, a run that stems back to May 2018.
    • Aberdeen signed off the 2021/22 campaign by failing to win any of their final 10 Premiership away fixtures.
    • Celtic bagged themselves 20 goals in their six pre-season appearances this summer.

    Conclusion

    Managing to reclaim their domestic crown last season, Celtic will be looking to get things underway with a statement on home soil. Enjoying an impressive summer run, Sunday’s hosts should be roaring to open the 2022/23 Premiership campaign here. Picking up an action-packed 3-2 win when they last faced off against Aberdeen at Pittodrie back in February, Postecoglou’s heavyweights will also be boosted by a rather rampant record against the Dons. Unbeaten in each of their last 17 straight showdowns, a run that stems all the way back to May 2018, Celtic should be confident of extending on that tally here. With Aberdeen failing to win any of their final 10 Premiership away fixtures last season, we’re backing a routine home victory here.

    Verdict: Celtic to score in both halves

    Best Odds: 4/5

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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