Who will win Aberdeen vs Celtic? Our writers make their predictions for Scottish Cup semi showdown at Hampden

It's 34 years since Aberdeen last lifted the Scottish Cup and for many that is far too long a way for a club of their size.

And the Dons face the daunting task of taking on their beaten final opponents back in 1990 in their bid to reach this season's final. Celtic are a much tougher proposition now than when Alex Smith's men beat them on spot kicks on that gloriously sunny day at Hampden and the Reds aren't the force they were back then, having already lifted the League Cup earlier that season.

Aberdeen don't even have a permanent manager in place with interim Peter Leven still holding the fort until Swede Jimmy Thelin arrives in June. So few will give the men from the north east much hope of getting the better of Brendan Rodgers and his side as they look to complete a domestic double in the Irishman's first season back in the Parkhead hot-seat. Anything other than a win for Celtic would be a big shock and here the Record Sport writers predict the outcome.

Keith Jackson

Celtic ought to be bouncing into the national stadium after the week they’ve had without kicking a ball. If that hasn’t got the tails up for Brendan Rodgers and his players nothing will. All of which is bad news for an Aberdeen side which would have had its work cut out in any place. It’s likely to be a long afternoon for the men from the north east.

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Scott Burns

You would have to say Celtic look strong favourites. They have hit a bit of form and will have taken a shot in the arm from recent Premiership results.

Aberdeen will be well-organised under Peter Leven but you just worry where the goals will come from. Brendan Rodgers’ side are likely to have too much for the Dons.

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Michael Gannon

The Dons have struggled this season but if they can avoid conceding early they can make life awkward. The Hoops have the quality to eventually progress.

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Fraser Wilson

The Dons are showing signs of life under Peter Leven. Unfortunately for them Celtic have sprung back to life too now that the business end of the season is here. Aberdeen’s best performances this season have been when they are under the cosh and can hit on the counter so they will pose Celtic problems. But the Hoops will be too strong in the end.

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Gavin Berry

The holders are hitting form at just the right time in the season and with key men Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers back they will have too much for a Dons side now just waiting for the arrival of new boss Jimmy Thelin.

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Ross Pilcher

Jimmy Thelin won’t be at Hampden, but Aberdeen seem to be in a better place now there’s a permanent plan for the longer term. Peter Leven hasn’t exactly been pulling up trees, but he gave Celtic a game last time he was in the dugout against them. Expect the same this weekend, but the champions have the Dons’ number at the national stadium and will just have too much for them again.

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