Celtic have dominated Scottish football this season. They finished 30 points ahead of second-placed Aberdeen to clinch the Scottish Premiership title, while they also beat the Derek McInnes’ side in the Scottish League Cup final back in November.
Celtic are now just one win away from claiming a domestic treble. Yet, they will have to get past Aberdeen one last time next weekend in order to complete what has been a phenomenal season for the club.
Celtic will meet Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, 27th May, with kick-off set for 3pm BST. Unsurprisingly, Brendan Rodgers’ side are favourites to come away from Hampden Park with the trophy.
Aside from their disastrous performance in the Champions League, the club haven’t lost a single game since the season kicked off back in August, having recorded 42 wins and four draws in the 46 domestic games that the club have played so far.
Likewise, these two sides have met on five occasions this season and Celtic have won every time, scoring a total of 12 goals throughout. It is clear why Celtic are favourites, but Scotland’s second best side can’t be ruled out.
Celtic will be in a celebratory mood, having confirmed their unbeaten league season with a 2-0 win over Hearts, but it would be unwise to take it easy against a Aberdeen side that have finished the season in remarkable form. They secured their first victory over Rangers at the Ibrox in 26 years, before producing a brilliant 6-0 victory over sixth-placed Partick Thistle in their final game. They will be hopeful that they can carry that momentum into the cup final and give Celtic a run for their money.
Although, in order to come away with a victory, Aberdeen will have to find a way past Rodgers’ side that are yet to concede in the Scottish Cup this season. Of the four matches played, Celtic have scored 11 and kept four clean sheets.
Aberdeen will need to put pressure on Celtic’s back line if they are to win. The Hoops are unlikely to offer them many chances and they will have to make their own to be in with a chance. Yet, McInnes will be reluctant to send his side out to attack, given what happened the last time these two sides met. Celtic scored three times within the first 11 minutes of play on that occasion and, should they find an early goal again this weekend, Aberdeen could find themselves out of the game before it really begins.
If they can keep their cool and pick their moments to get forward, Aberdeen could give Celtic a game. Yet, given Celtic’s form this season, they are unlikely to be stopped on their way to a fourth domestic treble.