Scottish League Cup semi-final predictions and betting tips: Hampden semi-final could be a blockbuster

Where to watch

Celtic vs Aberdeen
Premier Sports 1, 5.30pm Saturday

Motherwell vs Rangers
Premier Sports 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bets

Over 3.5 goals in Celtic v Aberdeen
1pt 11-10 general

St Mirren
3pm Saturday
1pt 10-11 Hills

Hearts
3pm Saturday
1pt 19-20 Hills

Scottish League Cup predictions

Aberdeen are yet to blink this season as they continue to defy expectations and keep pace with champions Celtic at the top of the William Hill Scottish Premiership. 

Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten side produced their biggest statement of intent yet on Wednesday as they defeated Rangers 2-1, only 11 days after battling back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Celtic at Parkhead.

There is no doubt that the midweek win over Rangers will have been emotionally and physically draining for the Dons, but the Granite City is awash with positivity at present and Aberdeen should give another excellent account of themselves in Saturday's blockbuster League Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park.

The champions may struggle to keep a lid on the confident Dons but Aberdeen will also have to be on their guard given that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers can call on the most prolific forward unit in Scotland which has netted 37 goals in 12 domestic matches this term. 

There were four goals in last month's league encounter and it could be just as high-scoring at Hampden. 

Rangers manager Philippe Clement is under intense pressure following Wednesday's loss at Aberdeen and another defeat in Sunday's League Cup semi against Motherwell would surely spell the end of the Belgian's Ibrox reign. 

In the Premiership, St Mirren snapped a four-game losing run with a comfortable 3-1 success over St Johnstone on Wednesday and the Buddies should pick up another three points against Ross County this weekend. 

The Staggies invariably save their best for their Dingwall base and have not won in four attempts on their top-flight travels. 

How many more chances can you give Hearts? Well, maybe one. 

The Jambos surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Kilmarnock in midweek despite registering 18 efforts on goal and commanding 69 per cent of possession in defeat at Tynecastle. 

However, Neil Critchley has a squad who should be equipped to deal with the quick turnaround than opponents St Johnstone, who were beaten 3-1 at St Mirren on Wednesday and look vulnerable. 

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