Celtic vs Dunfermline prediction 23.05.2026 | Scottish Cup
Celtic
Kick off:
Date:
Dunfermline Athletic
1
1.22
X
6.50
2
9.00
Contents
- Competition: Scottish Cup, Finals
- Date: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026
- Kickoff: 15:00 UK / 16:00 CEST
- Venue: Hampden Park (Glasgow)
After a dramatic 3:1 win over Hearts, which helped them to secure another Premiership title, Celtic will have an opportunity to win another title as they face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup Finals. While Celtic comes into the game after a huge win, Dunfermline comes to this Cup having been knocked out of the Premier League Playoff Semi-Finals by Partick Thistle.
Let's break down the game and find the best possible bet for this Scottish Cup tie.
Celtic vs Dunfermline Athletic Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Celtic
2 : 1
Dunfermline Athletic
League Cup
-
Celtic
2 : 0
Dunfermline Athletic
Premiership
-
Dunfermline Athletic
0 : 3
Celtic
Premiership
-
Celtic
2 : 1
Dunfermline Athletic
Premiership
-
Celtic
2 : 1
Dunfermline Athletic
Premiership
-
Dunfermline Athletic
1 : 2
Celtic
Premiership
The last time these teams met was back in 2019 in the League Cup 1/8 Finals when Celtic won 2:1 after extra time. Looking further back, over the past ten H2H games, Celtic have won all ten times, including that win after extra time.
When it comes to the number of goals, seven of the past ten H2H games ended with three or more goals, while both teams scored in five of those ten.
Celtic team overview
Celtic are coming off a massive 3:1 win over Hearts, in a direct duel for the title. Their season hasn't been as dominant as we are used to from them, and a controversial penalty in the 99th minute against Motherwell pretty much saved their season and helped them win their fifth Premiership title in a row. Now, in the Scottish Cup, the Celts are a huge favorite in a duel against a Championship side.
After a 3:1 win over Hearts, coach Martin O'Neill spoke to the media. He praised his players but also gave credit to the opposing team, saying they pushed them all the way in what became a dramatic final-day title race. The coach also said the players celebrated the title already and are now fully focused on the Cup and securing the domestic double.
Last matches of Celtic
-
Celtic
3 : 1
Hearts
Premiership
-
Motherwell
2 : 3
Celtic
Premiership
-
Celtic
3 : 1
Rangers FC
Premiership
-
Hibernian
1 : 2
Celtic
Premiership
-
Celtic
3 : 1
Falkirk
Premiership
Celtic lineup
Goalkeeper
-
12
Viljami Sinisalo
Defenders
-
2
Alistair Johnston
-
5
Liam Scales
-
6
Auston Trusty
-
63
Kieran Tierney
Midfielders
-
42
Callum McGregor
-
27
Arne Engels
-
8
Benjamin Nygren
Forwards
-
13
Hyun-jun Yang
-
38
Daizen Maeda
-
23
Sebastian Tounekti
Dunfermline team overview
Dunfermline finished as 4th placed team in the Championship and had the opportunity to compete in the Playoffs for the Premiership. After eliminating Arbroath, they lost to Partick Thistle and blew their opportunity to go up. However, incredibly, they got the opportunity to secure Europe if they win the Cup. They have already eliminated teams from the top flight in previous rounds (Hibernian, Falkirk, and Aberdeen) and are hoping to pull off another upset.
After a 2:1 loss to Partick Thistle, coach Neil Lennon spoke to the media. He was really disappointed with the outcome and said they should have had a bigger lead before halftime. The coach also said the injury to goalkeeper Aston Oxborough was one of the main reasons for the loss. However, according to credible sources, the goalkeeper should be ready for the last game of the season against Celtic.
Last matches of Dunfermline Athletic
-
Partick Thistle
2 : 1
Dunfermline Athletic
Premiership Play-Offs
-
Dunfermline Athletic
1 : 1
Partick Thistle
Premiership Play-Offs
-
Arbroath
0 : 0
Dunfermline Athletic
Premiership Play-Offs
-
Dunfermline Athletic
1 : 0
Arbroath
Premiership Play-Offs
-
Dunfermline Athletic
0 : 0
Arbroath
Championship
Dunfermline Athletic lineup
Goalkeeper
-
13
Aston Oxborough
Defenders
-
11
Shea Kearney
-
3
Kieran Ngwenya
-
2
Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen
-
47
Robbie Fraser
Midfielders
-
38
Callumn Morrison
-
14
Alfonso Amade
-
8
Charlie Gilmour
-
10
Matty Todd
Forwards
-
20
Chris Kane
-
26
Andy Tod
Prediction
While Celtic had some problems throughout the season, they are currently on an 8-game winning streak, including the one over St. Mirren in extra time. They weren't as good offensively this year, but that has changed lately, scoring 3+ goals in four of the past five games while facing much better teams than Dunfermline.
Dunfermline won once in the past five games. Those matches were against teams battling for promotion in the Championship (Arbroath and Partick Thistle), which are nowhere near Celtic's quality.
Moreover, Celtic pretty much dominated the H2H duels, winning the past 12 games. They also covered the -1.5 AH spread in two of the past three H2H games. Considering the trend in previous H2H games and all the above, we believe Celtic should dominate and secure a comfortable win.
4 Reasons why Celtic should win and cover the -1.5 AH spread
- Celtic won eight in a row
- Celtic scored 23 goals in the past eight games - 2.87 per game
- Dunfermline won once in the past five games
- Celtic have won the past 12 H2H games
Main prediction Celtic - Dunfermline Athletic
AH1 (-1.5)
Best Odds:
Melbet
1.67
