Celtic edge Aberdeen as Nygren strikes again
Sir Kenny hails Dermot Desmond and the Celtic board for recalling Martin O’Neill, crediting him for restoring stability as Celtic beat Aberdeen and prepare to face Rangers in the Scottish Cup.
Ibrox report tips Jack Butland to start over Liam Kelly for the Scottish Cup tie with Celtic, noting Rohl’s dilemma under Celtic’s press and Butland’s pros and errors.
Anders Limpar backs Benjamin Nygren after his 15th Premiership goal won it 2-1 at Aberdeen, calling him a ‘fantastic’ versatile threat and tipping more to come for Celtic and Sweden.
Aberdeen caretaker Peter Leven raged that only ‘one line’ was drawn for VAR as Nygren’s winner stood in Celtic’s 2-1 victory, also saying Cameron was too honest to go down late on.
Mark Clattenburg says Nick Walsh’s penalty for Aberdeen v Celtic would not have been overturned by VAR, and one was unlikely if not given, after Liam Scales’ soft contact on Toyosi Olusanya.
O’Neill hails Nygren’s 19th goal and Sinisalo’s ‘fantastic’ save in the 2-1 win at Aberdeen, praises Forrest’s impact, lauds debutant Arthur, and flags Dane Murray’s thigh concern ahead of Sunday.
Kenny Miller doubts Andy Robertson will join Celtic this summer, citing Kieran Tierney’s role and strong interest from major European leagues and the Premier League.
Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur started after Dane Murray’s injury, anchored defence for 90 minutes in Celtic’s 2-1 win at Aberdeen and won man of the match. Sinisalo praised him for ‘defending the box’.
Tierney volleyed an early opener and Nygren struck after a VAR check from Forrest’s cross as Celtic beat Aberdeen 2-1. Nisbet levelled from the spot. Sinisalo saved well as O’Neill’s side moved second.
Pre-match focus: O’Neill backs January recruits, challenges Hatate to build on Ibrox display and confirms Sinisalo stays in goal with Schmeichel ill ahead of the Aberdeen clash.
RB Leipzig list Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as an option if they miss Rocco Reitz. With a 2028 deal and €13m fee paid in 2024, Celtic would seek a big profit to sell.
Martin O’Neill says Dane Murray has a thigh issue and is a doubt for Ibrox. Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur impressed on a late call-up in the 2-1 win at Aberdeen and could start against Rangers.
Celtic SLO John Paul Taylor says a planning meeting will confirm entry and safety arrangements for the Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, where Celtic have a full Broomloan allocation.
O’Neill rotated for Celtic’s third game in six days, rewarding Hatate and Tounekti after Ibrox cameos. Nygren, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Maeda and Adamu were benched as Cvancara and McCowan came in.
Kenny Miller claims Rangers remain in the race only because Celtic ‘haven’t been particularly good’, despite Gers’ four draws in six and trailing Hearts.
Opinion piece slates Maeda’s cameo at Aberdeen, citing 11 touches and a missed late chance, and argues Celtic should cash in despite Nygren’s decisive winner moving them second.
Police confirm seven arrests, including for breach of the peace and assault, after incidents at the Rangers v Celtic match on 1 March 2026 in Glasgow.
Aberdeen XI named for the rearranged clash includes ex-Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong, with Leven rotating ahead of their cup quarter-final.
Live blog notice for Aberdeen v Celtic with updates due after 20:00.
