Celtic and Aberdeen square off in Hampden semi

First of the League Cup double-header

It is hard to say who today’s semi final is a bigger game for.

Aberdeen have been starved of silverware for so long and their fans are travelling down in big numbers to see their team fight for a place in the final. Whenever things look even remotely bright for the Dons, the optimism level of the fans goes sky high but then again, it is the same for every fan base in football.

Craig Brown has certainly awoken the Dons and the fact that the boss was unhappy with the performance on Wednesday night, after a 2-0 away win, shows you the expectations that Brown has placed on his Aberdeen side.

Aberdeen did have a man advantage for most of the game but there was still a job to do and the players did it.

One manager that was delighted on Wednesday night was Neil Lennon and with good cause. Lennon had watched his team demolish the hyped up Hearts and the 4-0 score line flattered the Gorgie side in the end. It was a vast improvement on the nervy showing against Aberdeen in the league on Saturday.

Last week’s encounter won’t count for too much, today will be a completely different game but Aberdeen should take some confidence from their showing. The press went overboard in praising Aberdeen for pressing Celtic, they had very few chances in the game but the Dons showed they can contain Celtic and impose themselves upon their opponents.

If they get a bit of luck or the ball bounces right for them, there is no reason why Aberdeen can not do the business today. They will have to do so with Nick Blackman though, the striker being cup-tied for this tie.

As for Celtic, they should have their tails up after a great performance and surely the players will be bursting a gut to reach the final. The League Cup gets criticised but both these teams have a great chance to win a trophy in the competition and both sets of fans have plenty of reasons why they want this trophy lifted.

Celtic are missing Jamie Forrest, Dan Majstorovic and other long term injury victims but are able to add Kris Commons to their squad after his signing during the week. With plenty of players to choose from, Neil Lennon may decide to spring a surprise in today’s line-up. Or he may not. That’s his options!

Hampden will no doubt be buzzing for the game at 3pm today, who will make it to the final?