Celtic v Aberdeen: Hoops can get off to a flyer at Hampden

The two best clubs in the Ladbrokes SPFL meet in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, as Celtic take on Aberdeen. But despite the Dons’ good campaign, the gulf in class here should make it a comfortable win for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

The Bhoys have won the past six meetings between the pair, and the signs point towards them wrapping this up without much trouble. There’s 4/9 on offer for Celtic to win in 90 minutes, while Aberdeen are 11/2 shots and the draw is priced at 10/3.

However, with the Parkhead club understandably short odds to lift the trophy, the best value could lie elsewhere.

For starters, despite their recent poor record against Celtic, the Dons have netted in six of their previous nine clashes with them. So we like the 2/1 on offer for Celtic to win and Both Teams to Score.

However, we don’t envisage it being a nervy affair for the Glasgow giants. They’ve led by the half-hour mark in three of their last four fixtures against Derek McInnes’ side, and 33/20 says they’re ahead with 30 minutes gone here. Meanwhile, it’s 18/5 they’re leading after 15 minutes.

So, who are we backing to do the damage in front of goal?

Well, the usual suspects like Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele head the goalscorer betting, but we’re going for a left-field choice: Dedryck Boyata.

The Belgian has found the net in three of the Hoops’ last five games, and has registered the last two times they’ve faced Aberdeen. He’s 9/2 to strike anytime, while 16/1 says he opens the scoring for the fourth time in 2017.

As for the Dons, Adam Rooney has plenty of pedigree in this game. He’s chalked up three goals against the Hoops since the start of last season, as well as reaching 20 for the season. So he shouldn’t be overlooked at 23/10 to add to that tally.

Having a bet on this fantastic final? Check out our great Headline Boosts, available from 08:00 on Saturday 27 May.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing