SPL PREVIEW

Aberdeen v Celtic
Football : Scottish Premier League
Sunday 07/08/2011 - Kickoff 12.15 (local) 

Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager, Craig Brown, was asked in his media conference whether there would be a repeat of last seasons results against Celtic? He replied, "I hope not, the results were not good" this is understatement of the century. They played each other 5 times, Celtic won all matches and with a staggering aggregate score of 21-1 including a 9-0 hiding. So, its fair to say this is a match the players and fans are probably a little nervous about.

Last thing Aberdeen need is a weakened squad but Ryan Jack will miss this game through suspension and Chris Clark (knee), Youl Mawene (hamstring) and Fraser Fyvie (groin) are all marked down as doubtful to make this match.

I do worry a bit for Aberdeen this season as they are always fielding a very young and inexperienced team that seems to lack the fighting qualities needed when things are not going their way.

Possible Aberdeen Lineup :
Gonzalez, Foster, Considine, Arnason, Robertson, Pawlett, Osbourne, Milsom, Magennis, Mackie, Vernon

Celtic

This will be only Celtic's second league game of the season after, for some unexplained reason, both Old Firm teams were given permission to take a week off league fixtures to allow them to play lucrative friendlies instead. This is an absolute liberty if you as me!

Anyway, they actually find themselves a little light at the back following injuries to Loovens, Rogne and Mark Wilson. So expect to see Mulgrew partner Majstorovic at the back and Cha Ru-Ri come in at wing back. Captain Scott Brown will also miss this through suspension but I think that just delays the headache for Lennon of trying to get his captain back into the starting XI.

Celtic should be fully warmed up having now played 4 friendlies since their opening day victory at Hibs and they will be geed up by knowing a win will put them top of the league as the only team with maximum points.

Possible Celtic lineup :
Zaluska, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Mulgrew, Cha Du-Ri, Kayal, Ki, Ledley, Commons, Stokes, Hooper

THE BETTING VERDICT

With last seasons shocking results for Aberdeenin this fixture it is very hard to find an angle to give them any hope in this match. They have a poor and inexperienced squad that really could struggle this season. Celtic have far superior quality and I can only see the likes of Kayal and Ki completely dominating the midfield and with attacking players such as Izaguirre, Commons, Stokes and Hooper it could again be a very long 90 mins for Aberdeen to endure. Really has got to be an away win, the question is, how many?

THE PICK

Aberdeen 0-3 Celtic

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE

Aberdeen 10% Celtic 70% Draw 20%

THE BET 

Big hitters should take the 1.36 available on a Celtic win.

ASIAN HANDICAP

Take Celtic to beat the -1.5 goal A/H



http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-11283-Aberdeen-v-Celtic.htm