Aberdeen entertain Celtic at Pittodrie this evening
Aberdeen v Celtic Free Bets, Best Odds & Match Preview
Dons on a European Mission as Champions Celtic March into Pittodrie
Scottish Premiership Gameweek 37 | Pittodrie Stadium | Wednesday 14 May 2025 – Kick-off: 8:00pm (UK time)
European Ambitions vs Green-and-White Dominance
With the end of the Scottish Premiership season fast approaching, Pittodrie prepares to host a classic Wednesday night encounter – one that sees Aberdeen desperately chasing a European spot while newly-crowned champions Celtic arrive with the swagger of a side that’s already cleared out the trophy cabinet.
Sitting fourth in the table, Aberdeen know that nothing less than victory will keep their Europa League qualifying hopes alive, as they remain three points adrift of third-placed Hibernian. Meanwhile, Celtic have already popped the champagne corks, sealed their 55th domestic title, and have an eye on completing yet another domestic treble. All that said, Brendan Rodgers’s side won’t want to wobble this close to the finish line, especially with a Scottish Cup final on the horizon – against none other than Aberdeen themselves.
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Dons’ Season of Two Halves
Aberdeen’s campaign has resembled something of a dramatic miniseries – excellent opening, horrific middle, and an unpredictable final act. The arrival of Jimmy Thelin seemed to breathe new life into the Dons at the start of the season, with the side going unbeaten in their first 16 league games, racking up 15 wins and a solitary draw. Not bad for a team that was in danger of becoming Scottish football’s forgotten side.
But the joy didn’t last. Aberdeen then endured a dire stretch, picking up just two wins in 17 matches, including an eye-watering 14-game winless run. Their top-six status, once a sure thing, suddenly looked more fragile than a teacake in a tumble dryer.
To their credit, they did manage to find their stride again at the business end of the campaign. A run of four wins, three draws and a solitary defeat brought them back into contention and even booked them a place in the Scottish FA Cup final – a welcome distraction with silverware on offer and a ticket to Europe potentially attached.
Unfortunately, back-to-back defeats in their most recent post-split fixtures – the second being a brutal 4-0 hammering at the hands of Rangers – have pegged them back once more. Now, with Hibernian ahead and Dundee United breathing down their necks, the Dons can ill afford another slip.
Celtic Coasting but Still Hungry
Having wrapped up the title with a thumping 5-0 win over Dundee United in their first post-split outing, Celtic arrive at Pittodrie with zero pressure and maximum confidence. That win not only secured the Bhoys their 55th league title – which equals the record set by Rangers – but also opened the door for a sixth domestic treble in the last nine years.
For Brendan Rodgers, the challenge is now to keep the squad sharp and focused ahead of the cup final, and a trip to Aberdeen offers the perfect dress rehearsal. After all, what better way to warm up for a showpiece clash than by turning over your cup final opponents on their own turf?
History is certainly on Celtic’s side. They’ve not lost to Aberdeen since May 2018, racking up 24 wins and five draws since that fateful afternoon. That’s 29 matches without tasting defeat against the Dons – a stat that will no doubt haunt Pittodrie’s corridors as kick-off approaches.
Team News – Injuries and Rotations in the Spotlight
Aberdeen come into this one nursing a few knocks. Gavin Molloy, as well as the likes of Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Vicente Besuijen are expected to miss out, while striker Ester Sokler will be absent for the remainder of the season. Following their humbling at Ibrox, Thelin may well reshuffle the pack.
That could see the return of Pape Habib Gueye and Kevin Nisbet, both pushing for inclusion in the starting eleven. Graeme Shinnie could drop deeper into defence, while Jamie McGrath and Dante Polvara are likely to feature across the midfield engine room. Bojan Miovski may sit this one out with Nisbet given the nod up front.
Celtic have their own injury concerns. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston won’t be involved, while winger Jota is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a cruciate ligament injury. Kasper Schmeichel, who returned to the starting line-up last time out, is expected to retain his place between the sticks.
Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor should take up full-back roles, with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales patrolling central defence. Reo Hatate will likely return to the heart of midfield, joined by skipper Callum McGregor and Belgian playmaker Nicolas Engels. Up front, the lively trio of Daizen Maeda, Patrick Idah and Kuhn should keep the Aberdeen back line on their toes.
Starting XIs – Familiar Faces and Tactical Tweaks
In terms of the expected Aberdeen XI, we should see Kelle Roos’s understudy, Mitov, keeping his place in goal. A back line featuring Angus MacDonald, Jayden Richardson and Stefan Gartenmann could be slightly tweaked, with Shinnie tucking in defensively if needed.
In midfield, Leighton Clarkson and Polvara will provide industry and distribution, while Gueye and McGrath are expected to support from advanced positions. Keskinen might drift into pockets of space from the left, leaving Kevin Nisbet as the central figure leading the line.
For Celtic, Schmeichel will be the man in goal, shielded by Ralston, Trusty, Scales, and Taylor. McGregor will anchor the midfield alongside Hatate and Engels, with Kuhn and Maeda offering width and pace. Idah, enjoying a strong spell up top, should continue as the central striker.
Prediction – Can the Dons Defy the Odds?
On paper, it’s a mismatch. Celtic have already banked the league title and are eyeing yet another clean sweep of domestic honours. Aberdeen, meanwhile, are scrambling to keep their European dreams alive.
But football has a funny way of ignoring the script. While the Bhoys might be tempted to take their foot off the gas, especially with one eye on the cup final, Aberdeen can’t afford to be anything less than perfect.
Still, it’s hard to ignore Celtic’s sheer dominance in this fixture and their imperious recent form. The Dons might land a blow, but expect the champions to edge it.
Prediction: Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic
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With the season drawing to a close and drama guaranteed under the Pittodrie lights, this one promises fireworks. Whether you’re a die-hard Dons supporter, a Celtic fan hoping for a pre-cup flex, or just a punter on the hunt for value, Wednesday night in the Granite City should be well worth your attention – and possibly a free bet or two.
