Celtic-Aberdeen Preview

Last year’s starting center back pairing, Gary Caldwell and Captain Stephen McManus, will both be missing from Celtic’s season opener up in Aberdeen. Caldwell will miss the match because of suspension from discipline points from last season (it still seems pretty ridiculous to carry over cards from the previous season, do you carry over points, goals, and assists from last season? No. So why do you carry over cards?). McManus is still recovering from knee surgery that ended his season prematurely last season and has seen him miss the entirety of the preseason. Of course, there are loud murmurs that McManus will not suit up for Celtic again, with rumors linking the Scottish center back to newly promoted Wolves of the EPL. Replacing the usual pair in the back will be Darren O’Dea and suspension appealing Glenn Loovens. Loovens was suspended a game for a tackle against Erin Go Bragh and Gerry Adams pal, Maurice Edu, but the appeal means he will be able to play tomorrow. Good thing to, as it would have been very scarce in the back if he could not.

Scott Brown should be available for the match, after playing the role of a substitute well in the Champions League qualifier. Whether Brown starts or not is still to be decided. Massimo Donati and Landry N’Guemo have seemed to form a good partnership in the middle and we’ll have to see if Tony Mowbray wants to break that up for Brown. Brown could also take Shaun Maloney’s attacking role as well.

Other than that question, we should see a Celtic line up similar to the ones seen against Al-Ahly, Cardiff, and Dinamo Moscow. Hopefully Celtic will continue their good play that was seen in the preseason and the Bhoys get off to a good start in getting back our trophy. I’d predict 3-1 to Celtic. Keep the Faith!

Category: Match Previews

Tags: Aberdeen, Celtic, Darren ODea, Gary Caldwell, Glenn Loovens, Match Previews, Scott Brown, Stephen McManus

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