Defending Scottish Premiership champions Celtic will commence their season on Sunday when they host Aberdeen as the Hoops look to get things started with a bang.

The visitors found themselves involved in a regulation battle during the previous campaign, which is something they will be desperate to avoid happening again.

Match preview

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Celtic had an unforgettable 2021-22 season as they were able to finish as champions, finishing above Rangers by four points which they will be keen to repeat this time around.

The Hoops were extremely dominant throughout the campaign as they only lost three games during that campaign, and offensively the squad showcased a lot of qualities.

Celtic scored 92 goals throughout the 38 games, which was more than any other team in the division which they have continued in preseason, having scored no fewer than two in each match they have played.

Ange Postecoglou's team made Celtic Park a fortress throughout the 2021-22 campaign, and they did not lose a single game, which should bring them no shortage of confidence this weekend.

The club showcased their qualities again in their most recent match by defeating Norwich City 2-0, providing them with the perfect momentum heading into the new season.

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Aberdeen were at the complete opposite end of the Scottish Premiership last season, finishing in 10th which is something that they will be pushing to avoid now.

The Dons struggled in the second half of the campaign which saw them get dragged down into the battle against St Johnstone and Dundee, but they did come out on top by avoiding the bottom two places.

Only six points separated them and the Saints though, showcasing just how close things were, and their away form had a lot to do with that as they won just two games.

Despite the difficulties Aberdeen suffered last season, they have started their 2022-23 season impressive by winning all four of the Scottish League Cup group games.

Jim Goodwin's team did not concede a single goal across any of those, while they also scored 12 goals to showcase the qualities that they offer at both ends of the pitch.

Team News

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Celtic have recently rejected a transfer request for Stephen Welsh, meaning he will still be available for the Hoops this Sunday, which is a boost for the club.

Kyogo Furuhashi is going to be one of the biggest offensive threats throughout this match, particularly after dealing with some injuries throughout the previous campaign.

Aberdeen have put in great performances as of late, and because of that Goodwin has plenty of options to choose from following strong efforts by his squad.

Bojan Miovski, Luis Lopes, Jayden Richardson, Ylber Ramadani, and Cal Roberts were all brought into the squad this season, boosting the Dons squad, which could lead to plenty of fresh faces being used in this game as they look to make an immediate impact.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Taylor; McGregor, Turnbull, O'Riley; Jota, Furuhashi, Forrest

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Richardson, Stewart, Scales, Hancock; McCrorie, Ramadani; Kennedy, Besuijen, Hayes; Miovski

We say: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen

Aberdeen have put together some impressive performances in recent weeks, with Goodwin showcasing that his team are ready to make major improvements from last season.

However, Celtic are set to be involved in the title race once again this season, and the Hoops should have enough qualities to pick up three points on Sunday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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