Celtic vs Aberdeen: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Celtic vs Aberdeen in the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Celtic vs Aberdeen
• Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Celtic Park

Celtic are coming into this match with a bit of a wobble, having lost their last two games. However, their home form has been solid, with wins against Dundee and Hibernian. They'll be looking to bounce back and use their attacking trio of Hatate, Kenny, and Maeda to break down Aberdeen's defence. The midfield battle will be crucial, with McGregor needing to control the game against Aberdeen's strong midfield.

Aberdeen, on the other hand, have been in fine form, winning four out of their last five games. Their attack has been potent, scoring nine goals in those five matches. They'll be confident going into this game, but Celtic at home is always a tough challenge. It could be a close contest, with both teams looking to exploit their strengths.

Match Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen

Celtic have had a mixed bag recently, losing their last two games against Dundee Utd and Heart of Midlothian. However, before that, they had a strong run of three consecutive wins against Dundee, Hibernian, and St. Mirren. This suggests they can bounce back and regain their form, especially at home, where they've been more successful. They'll need to find their rhythm again to overcome Aberdeen.

Recent Premiership Results:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Dundee Utd (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Heart of Midlothian (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Dundee (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Hibernian (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs St. Mirren (A)

Aberdeen have been in excellent form, winning four out of their last five games. Their only blemish was a draw against St. Mirren, but they've shown they can consistently score goals and win games. With wins against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Livingston, and Heart of Midlothian, they'll be coming into this match with confidence and momentum. They'll be looking to continue their strong run against a Celtic side that's been struggling lately.

Recent Premiership Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Kilmarnock (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Dundee (A)

• Draw: 3-3 vs St. Mirren (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Livingston (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Heart of Midlothian (H)

The head-to-head record between Celtic and Aberdeen shows a strong dominance by Celtic. In their last five encounters, Celtic have won four times, with one draw in the FA Cup that went to penalties. Aberdeen's only goal in these matches came in a 1-5 defeat. This suggests that Celtic have had the upper hand in recent meetings, but Aberdeen will be looking to change that narrative.

Recent Results

• Aberdeen 0-2 Celtic (10 Aug 2025)

• Aberdeen 0-0 (a.e.t.) (4-3 pen.) Celtic (24 May 2025) - FA Cup

• Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic (14 May 2025)

• Celtic 5-1 Aberdeen (25 Feb 2025)

• Aberdeen 0-1 Celtic (04 Dec 2024)

• Jota (Knee) - Out

• Alistair Johnston (Hamstring) - Out

• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) - Doubt

• Callum Osmand (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Kelechi Iheanacho (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Marcelo Saracchi (Unknown) - Doubt

• Sebastian Tounekti (International duty) - Out

• Michel Balikwisha (International duty) - Out

• Gavin Molloy (Knee) - Out

• Kristers Tobers (Knee) - Doubt

• Ante Palaversa (Unknown) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Ralston (DF), Trusty (DF), Tierney (DF), Hyun-Jun (MF), McGregor (MF), Bernardo (MF), McCowan (MF), Hatate (AT), Kenny (AT), Maeda (AT)

Celtic are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Schmeichel in goal and a back three of Ralston, Trusty, and Tierney. This setup should allow them to be solid defensively while using the width of Hyun-Jun and McCowan to support the attacking trio of Hatate, Kenny, and Maeda.

• Predicted lineup: Mitov (GK), Devlin (DF), Milne (DF), Knoester (DF), Jensen (MF), Armstrong (MF), Polvara (MF), Keskinen (MF), Aouchiche (MF), Nisbet (AT), Karlsson (AT)

Aberdeen will likely use a 3-4-3 formation, with Mitov between the sticks and a back three of Devlin, Milne, and Knoester. This formation should provide a solid base to launch attacks, with Jensen and Armstrong in midfield controlling the game and feeding the ball to the attacking trio of Aouchiche, Nisbet, and Karlsson.

• Johnny Kenny vs Jack Milne: Kenny's pace and movement will test Milne's defensive skills.

• Callum McGregor vs Dante Polvara: McGregor's experience will be crucial in controlling the midfield against Polvara's creativity.

• Hyun-Jun (Celtic): His ability to provide width and support the attack will be key for Celtic.

• Jensen (Aberdeen): His role in controlling the midfield and distributing the ball will be vital for Aberdeen.

Celtic vs Aberdeen at 15:00 GMT on Sunday, 21 December 2025 isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen.

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