fans are shocked as Jamie carrapher, Garry Naville and merson predict same score line for aberdeen vs Celtic it’s happening for the first time
In an unexpected turn of events that has surprised fans across the footballing spectrum, pundits Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, and Paul Merson have all produced same score line predictions in the upcoming Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen. Their rare consensus has sparked widespread discussion and heightened anticipation ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Hampden Park.
The final pits Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic against Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen in what promises to be a compelling encounter. While Celtic are looking to seal a historic domestic treble, Thelin aims to secure silverware in his first season in Scottish football. The stakes could hardly be higher. Fans are shocked as the three men predict 2:1 win for Celtic over Aberdeen.
Celtic have had the upper hand in this season’s encounters, winning four out of five meetings with Aberdeen and scoring a staggering 19 goals in the process. However, Aberdeen did show resilience in October, clawing back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw at Parkhead a result that stands as a rare blemish in Celtic’s otherwise dominant campaign.
Expert Predictions Show a Celtic Sweep
Scottish football journalists have offered their predictions, with most expecting Celtic to cruise to victory. Matthew Lindsay predicts a 3-1 win for the Glasgow giants, stating, “I would dearly love Aberdeen to surprise Scottish football… but I think the Parkhead club have too much experience and quality.” Despite acknowledging Reo Hatate’s absence, Lindsay believes Paulo Bernardo will fill the void effectively, referencing the Portuguese midfielder’s assist in last year’s final.
Graeme McGarry offers a similar forecast with a 3-0 prediction. “It is difficult to see any other outcome,” he notes, highlighting Celtic’s recent 5-0 dismantling of Aberdeen as proof of their overwhelming superiority. He acknowledges Thelin’s intention to alter his approach but remains unconvinced that it will change the final outcome.
Matthew Johnston foresees a more restrained 2-0 victory for Celtic, reflecting on Rodgers’ ambitions and Aberdeen’s inconsistency. He notes, “This may have been a different story if the invincible Aberdeen of mere months ago were on their way to Hampden.”
James Cairney echoes the sentiment with another 3-0 prediction, noting that “pretty much all of the meetings between the two sides this season have been incredibly one-sided.” While he acknowledges Aberdeen’s spirited draw earlier in the season, Cairney remains skeptical that they can replicate that performance under the pressure of a cup final.
David Irvine offers a slightly different perspective, forecasting a 3-1 win for Celtic — but only after extra time. He credits Aberdeen’s potential to rise to the occasion, stating, “It wouldn’t come as a major shock for them to force it beyond the 90 minutes,” but ultimately concedes that Celtic’s strength in depth should see them over the line.
Celtic’s Treble Quest
Brendan Rodgers is no stranger to treble-winning seasons, and he has made it clear that his team has been preparing for this moment since the beginning of the campaign. A win on Saturday would secure Celtic’s ninth domestic treble — a feat that underscores their dominance in Scottish football.
Aberdeen, on the other hand, are desperate to end their 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory. Despite their struggles against Celtic this season, Thelin’s men have shown glimpses of quality and resilience, particularly in that memorable draw at Parkhead.
A Rare United Front Among Pundits
What has caught fans most off-guard is the rare alignment among English pundits Carragher, Neville, and Merson all predicting a 2-1 win for Celtic. Their agreement, seen as highly unusual given their typically varied viewpoints, has fueled debate and speculation among supporters, with some wondering if the match might turn out to be closer than many Scottish pundits suggest.
With predictions now in and the atmosphere heating up, all eyes will be on Hampden Park this Saturday. Whether it ends in a routine Celtic triumph or an Aberdeen upset, the Scottish Cup final promises drama, intensity, and potentially history in the making.
