Match Preview: Celtic v Aberdeen
Aberdeen make the trip to Glasgow on Wednesday to face the current holders, Celtic at Parkhead. This is a tie which Celtic have had full dominance in, and have done for years. Aberdeen had a tough campaign, with Jimmy Thelin seeing the exit door in January, before Peter Leven took charge until the end of the season, and the Dons now have Stephen Robinson in charge as they look to get back into Europe. For Celtic, they also had a horror start, which saw Rodgers depart very soon into the season, with Martin O’Neill taking charge on a temporary basis before Wilfried Nancy came in, which didn’t go well at all, although he did manage to defeat Aberdeen at Celtic Park. Nancy was quickly sacked, with Martin O’Neill returning to eventually lead Celtic to the title after a dramatic final day, which saw Hearts top of the league going into it, but a 3-1 win for Celtic meant Martin O’Neill’s men secured the title. It hasn’t been an amazing start to their season despite making it into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. In terms of league duty, Aberdeen have picked up just one win in their opening three games, which came all the way back on matchday one, defeating Hearts 2-1 at Pittodrie in a tie which the home team always seem to win. Aberdeen also lost 2-0 at Dens Park to Dundee, as well as, most recently, a 1-0 defeat to Rangers courtesy of a Lawrence Shankland penalty. For Celtic, they are unbeaten in league business so far, as they defeated Steven Pressley’s men 1-0 in Glasgow on flag night, before beating Kilmarnock heavily 5-1 at Rugby Park, with a most recent 2-1 win over Falkirk in Glasgow. Celtic are also in the last eight of the League Cup, after cruising to victory at Tannadice in a 4-0 away win. Martin O’Neill’s side have had a very poor campaign in Europe, however — although they did win 3-0 at home to LASK, you’d think that would be perfect, and it got even better as Callum McGregor put his side four to the good, but it only went downhill from there as Celtic went on to lose 5-1 on aggregate and drop down to the Europa League, where they will face Ferencváros, SL Benfica, Celta Vigo, Beşiktaş, Torreense, Marseille and Union Saint-Gilloise. As mentioned earlier, Celtic have been in control of this tie, with the last time Aberdeen defeated Celtic being in 2025 in the Scottish Cup final, as Aberdeen took the Scottish Cup back up to the Granite City to stop the treble. But in the league, Aberdeen haven’t been able to come away as winners since May 2018, with Andrew Considine striking on the final day of the season to beat Rangers to second place — a game many fans believe Celtic let the Pittodrie side win, to ensure the Ibrox side didn’t get second. Celtic have found the net 17 times in their last 5 league meetings with the Dons, who have only found the target four times in those 5 meetings. Celtic are also in fine form in terms of goals, with 15 scored in their last 5, and former Bodø/Glimt man Kasper Hogh the top goalscorer (3). Aberdeen themselves have netted 8 goals in the past five outings, with Kevin Nisbet Aberdeen’s joint-top goalscorer (1). Aberdeen will welcome back Mats Knoester to their backline, but Brad Lyons remains out for their trip to the East End of Glasgow, and for Celtic, they seem to be without Alistair Johnston and Kasper Hogh, as well as Callum Osmand, who left on crutches after their win over Falkirk.
Scots Abroad Watch week two: All-Scottish clash in Serie A
Over the weekend, three Scotsmen shared the pitch in Serie A this weekend as Sassuolo met Torino, Robbie Ure also provided his first assist in Spain as the European leagues ease in. Two clean sheets for Scotsmen in MLS were extremely welcome given their sides recent performances. Liam Henderson: The Hibernian Scottish Cup hero has been plying his trade in Italy for some time now, playing for his sixth Italian club. Now in his second season, Henderson has been wearing the armband this season as the club aims to get out of Serie B. He played the full 90 minutes as his side lost 2-1 at home to Juve Stabia. Sampdoria currently sit 14th in Italy’s third tier. Ryan Porteous: Another ex-Hibs man playing abroad, Porteous’ LA FC side ended their two-game losing run with a 0-0 draw away to DC United. Porteous hasn’t been capped for Scotland since he was sent off in the EURO 2024 opener. Angus Gunn: Another Scotsman ended their MLS losing run this weekend as Angus Gunn’s San Jose Earthquakes drew 0-0 in Texas against Houston Dynamo. Robbie Ure: Sevilla’s new striker earned his first goal contribution in La Liga as he provided an assist in Sevilla’s 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig & Ché Adams: Sassuolo met Torino in Italy’s top tier this weekend, meaning Kieron Bowie and Josh Doig faced off against Ché Adams. All three Scotsmen started as Sassuolo won 2-1, leaving Torino without a win in their opening two. Scott McTominay& Billy Gilmour: Napoli were defeated 2-1 at home to Cesc Fabregas’ Como side this weekend. Billy Gilmour was once more an unused subtitle for Massimiliano Allegri as McTominay was replaced by Kevin De Bruyne just before the hour mark. Danny Armstong: The former Kilmarnock man has had a great start to the season in Romania so far, providing seven goal contributions in as many games. Despite not scoring or assisting this weekend, Armstrong played the whole match as Dinamo Bucharest drew 1-1 away to Cornivul Hunedoara.
Matai Akinmboni joins Dundee FC on loan
Dundee Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of defender Matai Akinmboni on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth. The centre back has been on trial at the club for the last two weeks and will now stay with the Dark Blues for the remainder of the campaign. The 19-year-old made his professional debut for Loudon United while a member of the D.C. United academy. He then worked his way into the first team at D.C. United, playing in the MLS 13 times before moving to Bournemouth in January 2025. Akinmboni is an age-grade USA international, making appearances at U19 and U20 level. Matai Akinmboni is excited to get going with his new side, “It’s great to get this done and to be at Dundee for the season. I’ve been at the club for a couple of weeks now and everyone has been really welcoming, and I just can’t wait to get started properly. “I was at the derby on Saturday and I saw how good the fans were, and now I want to play in front of them and experience that myself. I want to play as much as I can and help the team keep the momentum going from the start of the season.” Manager Steven Pressley was delighted with the acquisition. “Matai is a player that has very much impressed us since coming in on trial. He’s young and has a lot of development to do, and we think he’ll provide us with competition in defence. He is also a good personality and character to have around the place. “Bournemouth have a lot of faith in him, and it’s encouraging that they trust us with his development.” Everyone at Dundee Football Club is delighted to welcome Matai and wishes him all the best this season. Founded in 1893, Dundee Football Club is one of Scotland’s most historic clubs, deeply rooted in the heart of the city and its people. Playing at the iconic Dens Park, Dundee FC is proud to represent a passionate community where football brings generations together. Find out more about Dundee Football Club www.dundeefc.co.uk