Aberdeen vs Celtic: Odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for the game week 2 match Aberdeen vs Celtic in the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 12:30 BST kick-off.

• Fixture: Aberdeen vs Celtic

• Date: Sunday, 10 August 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: Pittodrie Stadium

Aberdeen’s 2025/26 season began with a 0-2 loss to Hearts, exposing defensive frailties despite a strong Scottish Cup win over Celtic (1-1, penalties) in May 2025. Celtic, after a 1-0 win over St. Mirren, showed resilience with Luke McCowan’s late goal, but their finishing needs sharpening (13 shots, 6 on target).

Their 6-0 League Cup thrashing of Aberdeen in 2024/25 highlights their dominance. Celtic’s midfield control, led by Callum McGregor, and attacking depth with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah should exploit Aberdeen’s defence, but Pittodrie’s atmosphere and Kevin Nisbet’s threat could keep it close. Expect Celtic to secure a convincing win.

Match Prediction: Aberdeen 1-3 Celtic

Aberdeen’s 2025/26 campaign started with a 0-2 loss to Hearts, with Stuart Findlay’s 73rd-minute goal exposing their defensive issues. Their Scottish Cup triumph over Celtic (1-1, penalties, May 2025) shows potential, but defensive organisation must improve to counter Celtic’s attack. Pittodrie’s crowd could inspire, but Aberdeen need to be clinical.

Recent Results:

• (L) 0-2 vs Hearts (04 Aug 2025, Premiership)

Celtic opened their 2025/26 title defence with a 1-0 win over St. Mirren, with Luke McCowan’s 87th-minute goal (assisted by Daizen Maeda) securing the points. Despite 76% possession and 12 corners, they hit the woodwork four times, indicating a need for sharper finishing. Their 2024/25 League Cup semi-final 6-0 win over Aberdeen showcased their attacking prowess, though a Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen (1-1, penalties) exposed rare vulnerabilities. Celtic’s depth and midfield control make them favourites, but they must stay focused to avoid an upset.

Recent Results:

• (W) 1-0 vs St. Mirren (03 Aug 2025, Premiership)

• Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic (24 May 2025, Scottish Cup final, Aberdeen won on penalties)

• Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic (14 May 2025, Premiership)

• Celtic 5-1 Aberdeen (25 Feb 2025, Premiership)

• Aberdeen 0-1 Celtic (04 Dec 2024, Premiership)
  

Celtic have dominated league encounters, winning three of the last four, but Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup penalty shootout win shows they can compete. Celtic’s 16 goals in three 2024/25 league games vs Aberdeen make them favourites, but Pittodrie’s home advantage could challenge them.

• Doubtful: Dante Polvara (hamstring), Sivert Heltne Nilsen (injury), Ester Sokler (injury), Vicente Besuijen (injury), Kristers Tobers (injury), Emmanuel Gyamfi (injury).

• Available: Jack MacKenzie (returned from facial injury).

• Out: Jota (cruciate ligament, out until 2026).

• Doubtful: Kieran Tierney (injury, substituted vs St. Mirren), Reo Hatate (knee).

4-2-3-1: Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, MacKenzie; Shinnie, Clarkson; Keskinen, McGrath, Morris; Nisbet

Aberdeen’s 4-2-3-1 focuses on defensive solidity with Rubezic and Molloy, while Shinnie and Clarkson anchor midfield. Nisbet and Keskinen will lead counter-attacks, aiming to exploit Celtic’s high line at Pittodrie.

4-3-3: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Bernardo, Engels; Maeda, Furuhashi, Idah

Celtic’s 4-3-3, used against St. Mirren, emphasises midfield control with McGregor and Bernardo. Maeda and Idah will target Aberdeen’s defence, with high pressing to dominate possession. Greg Taylor replaces the doubtful Tierney.

• Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen) vs Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic): Nisbet’s finishing will test Carter-Vickers’ defensive strength.

• Callum McGregor (Celtic) vs Leighton Clarkson (Aberdeen): McGregor’s passing and leadership will face Clarkson’s tenacity, dictating the tempo.

• Topi Keskinen (Aberdeen): His pace and creativity could spark Aberdeen’s attack.

• Callum McGregor (Celtic): His midfield control and experience will be vital for Celtic’s dominance.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.