Match preview: Pittodrie set for a heavyweight trip
The Premiership spotlight swings to Pittodrie on February 4 as Aberdeen entertain a resurgent Celtic side in Round 25. Aberdeen arrive having split recent fortunes — an emphatic 6-2 home win and a narrow 1-0 victory sit alongside heavy defeats to Rangers and a 3-0 reverse at Kilmarnock that still stings. Their campaign reads like a roller-coaster: 24 matches, 8 wins, 4 draws and 12 losses, with a negative goal difference that underlines defensive vulnerability (26 scored, 33 conceded). Home form shows promise in parts — six clean sheets recorded — but inconsistency has left them seventh in the table and desperate for stability at Pittodrie (capacity 20,866).
Celtic, by contrast, bring the momentum. Sitting second with 48 points from 24 games, they have been potent in attack (43 goals) and relatively secure at the back (23 conceded). Recent weeks underline a confident side: victories over Falkirk and FC Utrecht peppered with draws in Europe and domestic contests, and eight clean sheets on the season showcase defensive discipline. On paper and in play-style metrics, Celtic outgun Aberdeen — averaging more total shots (16.25 to 12.29), creating far more attacks and dangerous attacks, and translating those chances into a superior goals tally.
Tactical context and recent history
The December H2H at Celtic Park ended 3-1 in favour of the visitors that night, a reminder that Celtic have the edge historically this season. Aberdeen’s last outing featured Stuart Armstrong as the standout performer despite the team falling 3-0 at Kilmarnock, while Celtic’s win over Falkirk saw Liam Scales earn the match’s top rating. These clues point to a clash where Celtic’s structured attack and superior chance creation should test Aberdeen’s backline, especially given Aberdeen’s mixed defensive record away from home.
Celtic’s shot volume and dangerous-attack averages suggest they will control large swathes of the game, while Aberdeen will rely on set-pieces and home crowd energy to spark chances. The goal data also tilts towards an open contest: Celtic’s matches have produced more than 2.5 goals frequently this season, and Aberdeen have been involved in high-scoring encounters both for and against them.
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Betting suggestion Celtic are clear favourites with bookmakers (Away at 1.54, ~65% implied probability). Given the form lines, superior attacking metrics and recent head-to-head, the clean, value play is a 1X2 selection: back Celtic to win. Confidence: medium-high. Keep stakes sensible to bankroll management and consider combining this pick with market guidance from the links above for a disciplined approach.
