The Scottish League Cup semi-final clash at Hampden is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both Celtic and Aberdeen eager to secure a spot in the December 15 final. Brendan Rodgers and Jimmy Thelin have each named their lineups, fielding strong squads to try and break the deadlock between two of the Scottish Premiership’s undefeated teams this season.
Celtic, under Rodgers’ guidance, have maintained an impressive domestic form. Their only slip-up came in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, but they’ve remained dominant in Scotland, sitting at the Premiership’s summit. Rodgers has opted for experience in his starting eleven, with Kasper Schmeichel guarding the net and a sturdy defense led by Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Alex Valle. In midfield, captain Callum McGregor’s return is crucial; he joins Reo Hatate and Arne Engels to form a balanced and dynamic trio. Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi leads the attack, supported by wingers Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda, who will be keen to trouble Aberdeen’s defense.
Aberdeen, led by Thelin, have enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season and have not lost a single domestic game under the Swedish manager. Their record boasts 15 wins and one draw over 16 matches, and their recent 2-1 victory over Rangers at Pittodrie will give them added confidence. Thelin’s starting eleven remains unchanged from that win, with Dimitar Mitov in goal, and a defense of Nicky Devlin, Slobodan Rubežić, Gavin Molloy, and Jack MacKenzie. In midfield, Graham Shinnie anchors the team alongside Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Jamie McGrath, providing stability and creativity. Up front, Duk and Topi Keskinen aim to feed striker Ester Sokler, hoping to capitalize on any gaps in Celtic’s defense.
Only goal difference separates these teams at the top of the league, and they recently played to a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park. This tight competition adds intensity to Saturday’s showdown, with each side aware that a place in the final awaits the victor. The winners will face either Rangers or Motherwell, who play in the other semi-final, and the excitement around Hampden is palpable as fans anticipate a high-stakes encounter.
The match, kicking off at 5:30 pm, promises to showcase the best of Scottish football, with Celtic’s attacking flair and Aberdeen’s robust defense likely to make for a gripping semi-final.
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