Celtic host Aberdeen in the SPFL at 6pm tomorrow evening. The match will see the Hoops catch up on their game in hand as Rangers are on Europa League duty against Royal Antwerp this week. Neil Lennon’s men will thus have the opportunity to close the gap on their city rivals to 15 points with victory, though that tally is looking somewhat academic now, given that there are less than ten games left to play.
For both teams, this match appears to be about finishing the season strongly and restoring a bit of pride. Celtic go into the contest in good form having won four league games on the bounce, whilst Aberdeen are looking to record their first win in six. Clashes between the pair invariably throw up a lot of excitement and close scorelines. Indeed, Celtic advanced from the Scottish Cup Semi-Final with a 2-0 win when the sides last met in November, but the Dons held the champions to a 3-3 draw in a topsy turvy tussle at Pittodrie a month earlier. Meanwhile, the Bhoys have emerged victorious by the odd goal in three when the clubs locked horns in the two previous encounters.
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Aberdeen have failed to score in each of their last five outings, and head to Celtic Park on the back of a goalless draw against St Mirren. Celtic have found the net 13 times in that same period, yet haven’t looked totally convincing. Both managers are under intense pressure from supporters, having previously done tremendously well at their respective clubs. Neil Lennon told the media that he feels comfortable in his position today, whilst there are no signs that Derek McInnes will depart from the Aberdeen hot-seat after the club’s hierarchy recently postponed a fans Q&A to focus on supporting the boss. Nevertheless, the pair would admit that results haven’t gone the way they wanted during this campaign and they will be desperate to take all three points at Paradise.
Celtic will be without the services of Stephen Welsh, who is set to miss out with an ankle injury, whilst long term absentees Christopher Jullien and James Forrest are still not fit. Shane Duffy will retain his place as Welsh’s replacement and it is unlikely that any changes will be made across the back four. Ryan Christie is likely to get the nod over Albian Ajeti, after the midfielder was favoured ahead of the Swissman last weekend and repaid his manager with a fine assist. Furthermore, Neil Lennon is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that was adopted against St Johnstone last time out.
As for Aberdeen, they will be unable to call upon defender Michael Devlin, who is still out of action with an ankle injury, and Ryan Hedges is sidelined for the rest of the season with a muscle problem. Centre back Ash Taylor could be recalled to the starting lineup, which may result in Niall McGinn dropping to the bench and former Celtic star Jonny Hayes moving to the left-wing.
The match is live on Celtic TV for all virtual season pass holders and coverage starts from 5.30pm.
