Celtic predicted XI v Aberdeen: Nicolas Kuhn dropped, two changes
Brendan Rodgers could be set to change his Celtic lineup when the Bhoys face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, 24 May.
Rodgers’ men have already won both the League Cup and the Scottish Premiership, and are chasing the domestic treble.
In their last match, the Glasgow giants were held to a 1-1 draw by St Mirren, but were overjoyed when the long-serving James Forrest bagged a 94th-minute equaliser to ensure that he has now scored for the Celtic Park outfit in 16 consecutive seasons.
Football Insider predicts how Rodgers’ side will line up in the cup final against an Aberdeen outfit who have lost each of their last four games.
Kuhn dropped as Rodgers makes two changes to Celtic lineup
Nicolas Kuhn has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the freshly crowned Scottish Premiership champions, notching 21 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.
| Opponent | Result |
| Hibernian (H) | 3-1 W |
| Aberdeen (A) | 1-5 W |
| St Mirren (H) | 1-1 D |
However, the 25-year-old only made a substitute appearance when Celtic beat St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final, and could be set for the bench once again at Hampden Park.
Omitting Kuhn from his lineup would allow Rodgers to call upon Forrest, who is already the Glasgow club’s most decorated player and will be keen to help his side earn yet more silverware.
Elsewhere, Rodgers may also choose to replace Greg Taylor at left-back with Jeffrey Schlupp, as seen in the quarter-final tie with Hibernian.
Celtic should be able to overcome Aberdeen despite injuries
Rodgers still has the majority of his star-studded Celtic squad to choose from for Saturday’s Scottish Cup final encounter with Aberdeen.
However, the 52-year-old’s selection options have already been dictated by the fact that both Reo Hatate and Jota have suffered injuries.
Hatate has impressed in midfield for Rodgers’ men this term by scoring 11 goals and assisting a further 10 in 55 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, since returning from French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes back in January, Jota has re-established himself as a key player by scoring five goals in 16 appearances.
But Celtic should still have more than enough quality to defeat Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Jimmy Thelin’s men may still be disheartened by the fact that they were battered 5-1 by the Glasgow side on 14 May even though Rodgers made several changes to his team.
Celtic’s youngsters, such as Johnny Kenny, caused the Pittodrie outfit plenty of problems, so a stronger lineup should be able to do the business at Hampden Park.