James Forrest start verdict and the two-man battle for midfield spot… Celtic’s predicted XI to face Aberdeen

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic have one more obstacle to overcome before they can call themselves Treble winners.

Brendan Rodgers’ side face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final and could complete a clean sweep of trophies – which would be the Celtic boss’ third Treble with the Bhoys.

Rodgers is keen to rewrite his legacy at the club after leaving under a cloud and a win at Hampden Park could go some way to restoring that.

Everyone wants to play in the final and there will be some tough decisions made, especially in the midfield area where someone will fill the void left by Reo Hatate due to his injury.

So, with that, here is how 67 Hail Hail predict Celtic will line-up against Aberdeen on Saturday.

James Forrest deserves to start ahead of Nicolas Kuhn

Nicolas Kuhn has been warned he may be dropped after seemingly shaking his head at Rodgers during Celtic’s draw with St Mirren and in this XI, that has happened.

Kuhn has struggled to replicate his early season form and that should only mean he makes way for James Forrest.

Forrest scored for the 16th consecutive season against St Mirren and became Celtic’s most decorated player of all time too.

He can add to that again with a win in south Glasgow but based on the last few weeks alone, he has been the standout performer.

Luke McCowan given the nod ahead of Paulo Bernardo as Rodgers names strong XI

The other big issue in the side is deciding who will replace Hatate. Paulo Bernardo was chosen last time but failed to really leave his mark on the game during trophy day.

As for Luke McCowan, he scored last time out in the 5-1 win against Aberdeen and offers more overall.

For the rest of the team, it pretty much picks itself with Kasper Schmeichel starting in goal and Alistair Johnston, Cameron-Carter Vickers and Liam Scales all starting.

Rodgers hopes Greg Taylor will stay even though it looks like it could be his final appearance for the club.

Captain Callum McGregor is ever present as usual and Arne Engels will start despite transfer interest from Atalanta.

Up front with Forrest will be free-scoring Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah.