Aberdeen vs Celtic: Odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview

Explore Coral’s detailed preview for Aberdeen vs Celtic in the Premiership game week 2 match at Pittodrie Stadium. 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, with Stuart Findlay’s 73rd-minute goal exposing defensive frailties. Their Scottish Cup win over Celtic (1-1, penalties, May 2025) shows potential, but they must organise their defence to counter Celtic’s attack.

Celtic’s 1-0 win over St. Mirren, with Luke McCowan’s late goal and 76% possession (13 shots, 6 on target), highlights their dominance, though their finishing needs sharpening after hitting the woodwork four times. Celtic’s 16 goals in three 2024/25 league games vs Aberdeen and midfield control led by Callum McGregor should secure a convincing win, but Pittodrie’s atmosphere and Kevin Nisbet’s threat could keep it competitive.

Match Prediction: Aberdeen 1-3 Celtic

Aberdeen’s 2025/26 campaign started with a 0-2 loss to Hearts, exposing defensive issues despite a competitive performance. Their Scottish Cup triumph over Celtic (1-1, penalties, May 2025) demonstrates their ability to challenge top sides, but they need to be clinical at Pittodrie to counter Celtic’s attacking depth. The home crowd could inspire an improved performance.

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. Their 76% possession and 12 corners showed dominance, but four shots hitting the woodwork indicate a need for sharper finishing. A 6-0 League Cup win over Aberdeen in 2024/25 underlines their attacking prowess, though a Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen (1-1, penalties) exposed rare vulnerabilities. Celtic’s depth makes them favourites.

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 2-2 Aberdeen (19 Oct 2024, Premiership)

Celtic have won three of the last five league encounters, with two draws, scoring 16 goals in three 2024/25 league games. Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup penalty shootout win shows they can compete, but Celtic’s dominance makes them favourites at Pittodrie.

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

• Available: Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah.

Lineup: 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.

Lineup: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Trusty, 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, while Rodgers has choices how he replaces the doubtful Tierney.

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

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