Bhoys Face Top of the Table Pittodrie Test

Bhoys Face Top of the Table Pittodrie Test
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


October: Alistair Johnston & Paulo Bernardo contend with Aberdeen's Shayden Morris


Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
20.00 GMT

The top two teams in Scotland square off for a third time in 6 weeks, when the Celts travel to the northeast to take on 2nd placed Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday evening.

These sides played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at Parkhead back in October, before the Hoops hit the Dons for six in the League Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park, last month.

But this time it is Celtic's turn to make the lengthy journey from Glasgow to the Granite City, in what will no doubt be a cauldron-like atmosphere at a packed Pittodrie that awaits them.


November: Daizen Maeda was the hatrick here against Aberdeen in the 6-0 League Cup Semi Final

Since the Bhoys' 6-0 League Cup Semi-Final victory at Hampden, the Dons have experienced a little bit of a rocky passage for the first since the arrival of manager Jimmy Thelin.

Not only did they suffer their first defeat in the League to St Mirren, this was followed by back to back draws in the Capital; first Hibs (in exceptionally dramatic circumstances) and the Hearts have managed to share thr points, which has afforded Celtic the opportunity to now open a 4 point gap at the top of the Premiership table.

While the Hoops will be confident going into this game considering the form on display in the 5-0 victory over Ross County and the fact that the Bhoys have remained undefeated by the Dons in 6 years, there will be a vociferous reception awaiting and ready to cheer on the home side, who have reason to be confident themselves, considering they have won every game at Pittodrie this season.


Jimmy Thelin and Brendan Rodgers willl be going head to head for a third time in 6 weeks

By the Numbers
​

• Celtic are undefeated by Aberdeen since May 2018, having won 21 of the last 27 meetings overall.​
• The Hoops are all coming into this match with a 100% win record in ‘Away’ League games this season.​
• The Dons have a 100% win record at Pittodrie this season.​

Team News

With just Odin Thiago Holm sidelined, Brendan Rodgers has plenty of options to choose from. After making 6 changes ahead of the 5-0 defeat of Ross County at the weekend, the only real question is how many of those players will retain their place in the starting XI, including Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo, who dominated proceedings, or if Arne Engels and Reo Hatate will be restored in midfield.

As for the Dons, they could be without Dimitir Mitrov, after the goalkeeper was forced off having picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with Hearts at the weekend, and there is also a doubt concerning the fitness of James McGarry, while striker Papa Habib Gueye remains sidelined.

Referee: Don Robertson

Coming into this round, Robertson has officiated the most Premiership games than any other referee this season. This is the 3rd time he has been appointed to a match involving Celtic, the most recent being the 6-0 win against St Johnstone in September.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:40 W:35 D:3 L:2

VAR: Andrew Dallas



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 309 W: 189 D: 69 L: 51

Last 5 Meetings
W D D D W

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~

All Comps
W D W W W ~ D D L W L

SPFL
W W W W W ~ D D L W W​