Celtic v Aberdeen: team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch | OneFootball

Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden. Brendan Rodgers’ side are one game away from securing a Treble but Jimmy Thelin’s team are targeting a first Scottish Cup success since 1990.

Celtic beat Aberdeen comprehensively at Pittodrie last week but the team will know that this is a one off match, with a trophy to play for and form will go out the window. However, Aberdeen have lost four on the bounce and have looked short of confidence. Celtic, meanwhile, go into the game after picking up the Premiership title. Brendan’s side were not at their best and will be eager to show their best form in the final game of the 2024/25 campaign.

Team News

Brendan has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns arising from the draw against St Mirren. Reo Hatate, Jota and Dane Murray remain sidelined. The game saw James Forrest score in sixteen successive campaigns and while the moment at the end was incredible, it was plain to see the impact that he had on the team when he was introduced. The manager will be weighing up whether to go with Nicolas Kühn or the veteran Forrest for the game.

James Forrest scores late goal and celebrates. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park – 17 May 2025. Photo Robert Perry Shutterstock

In midfield, there is another decision for the manager to make with Paulo Bernardo or Luke McCowan starting. The likelihood is that the manager showed his preferred starting XI for the Cup Final last weekend and the team will be the same, with Forrest, McCowan, Yang and Kenny all ready to come off the bench.

Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals.

A back four will likely consist of Greg Taylor, Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston.

Skipper Callum McGregor will start in the midfield three with Arne Engels and probably Paulo Bernardo.

Adam Idah, who scored the winner against Rangers last season, will likely lead the line with Scotland’s POTY Daizen Maeda on the left and Nicolas Kühn on the right.

Referee Nick Walsh Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, – 09 March 2025 : Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Referee Details

Nick Walsh on refereeing duties. The 33-year-old took charge of last season’s showpiece Final and handled the game very well. Walsh will be assisted by Calum Spencer and David Roome. Fourth Official duties will be completed by Steven McLean.

Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, John Beaton is on VAR duties with David McGeachie assisting.

Kick Off Time

The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Where to Watch

The game will be shown live on both BBC Scotland and Premier Sports. Both sets of coverage from Hampden kicks off at 2pm.

Celtic TV subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland will be able to tune in at 2:40pm (Celtic Park Time).

Additionally, the Scottish FA have partnered with Premier Sports and broadcast technology specialists Genius Sports to deliver an enhanced viewing experience for the Scottish Cup Final. Their new feature, Tactical View, uses data from GeniusIQ to offer fans advanced tactical insights as the match unfolds. This mode includes a live player map displayed at the bottom of the screen, showing the position and movement of every player and the ball. It will also identify the player currently in possession and display shot speeds on goal.

Tom Rogic celebrates after scoring the winner for Celtic in the 2017 Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The game is a rematch of the 2017 SCF in which Celtic came from behind to beat Derek McInnes’ side and secure the Invincible Treble in Brendan’s first campaign. Jonny Hayes netted the opener from a corner, before Stuart Armstrong equalised immediately. There were chances but Celtic couldn’t find the breakthrough and Aberdeen failed to capitalise on rare forays forward.

Tom Rogic won the match as the game looked certain for extra time, running at the Dons defence, before forging an opening and driving an effort beyond Joe Lewis. This goal has become synonymous with the modern success at the club given that it was such an incredible moment.