Aberdeen predicted XI v Celtic: McGrath starts over Gueye, 2 changes.
Aberdeen will look to cause an upset at Hampden Park when they face league champions Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
The Dons were beaten by Dundee United and dropped to fifth place on the final day, forcing them to compete in the Conference League qualifiers.
A win over the Bhoys, on the other hand, would secure Jimmy Thelin’s side a spot in the Europa League play-offs, ensuring at the very least Conference League football the following season.
Taking on the champions is a daunting task, but Celtic defeated Aberdeen 5-1 in the season’s penultimate game, despite mostly playing reserves.
Celtic beat Aberdeen 5-1 in the league
Morris and Gueye left out.
After his team’s dismal last four games of the domestic season saw them lose their fourth-place position, Thelin faces a number of decisions heading into the final.
Dimitar Mitov will play in goal, with Graeme Shinnie and Alexander Jensen likely to start at full back following Nicky Devlin’s poor performance against Rangers a few weeks ago.
Alfie Dorrington returns from suspension and could rejoin the team to partner Mats Knoester in the centre of defence.
Moving forward, Thelin must make a number of decisions, including who will fill the three positions behind Kevin Nisbet.
Jamie McGrath has frequently been used in the ‘ten’ against Celtic in the past, with his work ethic and defensive abilities critical in shutting down Brendan Rodgers’ team.
If McGrath is selected, Pape Habib Gueye will miss out, leaving Jeppe Okkels and Topi Keskinen on the flanks.
Aberdeen must stay disciplined.
Celtic are by far the superior team, and they will most likely finish Saturday (May 24) with more possession and shots than their opponents.
However, if the Dons can stay in the game, they may be able to take advantage of Knoester and Dorrington’s aerial abilities as well as set piece opportunities.
West Ham and Leeds are interested in Daizen Maeda, and the Celtic attacker will be the main threat at Hampden, having scored 16 league goals this season.
If Thelin’s team can keep the Japanese international quiet, they will have a chance of pulling off a surprise.
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