Ryan McLaughlin could make his debut for Aberdeen after joining on loan from Liverpool
Scottish Premiership
- Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
- Date: Saturday, 12 September
- Kick-off: 12:30 BST
Coverage: Listen on Golsicilia.it Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/online; live text commentary on Golsicilia.it Sport website
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TEAM NEWS
Aberdeen could hand a debut to on-loan Liverpool full-back Ryan McLaughlin.
Defender Mark Reynolds is still out, but apart from that manager Derek McInnes has a full squad to pick from.
Celtic have new signings Jozo Simunovic and Tyler Blackett available, and striker Nadir Ciftci could play after serving his six-match ban.
Previous injury doubts Mikael Lustig, Scott Brown, Stefan Johansen and Stuart Armstrong all make the travelling squad.
COMMENTATOR’S NOTES
In the window of the Aberdeen club shop outside Pittodrie Stadium hangs a bright red t-shirt with the words 'In Derek We Trust' emblazoned across the front.
A catchy slogan to sell merchandise yes, but trust has been key to the Dons' revival under manager McInnes – he trusts his players and his players trust him.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes
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"We want to improve and yes be a bigger threat to Celtic but we've still got it all to prove. It's okay me saying, 'I think we've got the strongest squad that I've had' but while I take confidence from that, we've still got it all to do" |
But as the footballing feel-good factor continues in the North East, there's a huge green and white elephant that has so far refused to leave the room and allow the party to start properly.
Last year's title challenge talk was silenced every time Aberdeen played Celtic and the defending Scottish Premiership champions walked away with the three points.
But with a new season comes new hope for Dons fans and their side's start to the current campaign has certainly shown intent.
Preview – Aberdeen v Celtic
If they come out on top against Ronny Deila's team, it won't just lay down a marker in terms of title ambitions and capabilities, it will also set a club record for the best start ever to a season.
McInnes has slightly shuffled his pack during the summer but he's been keen to point out that the core of his side remains intact and hungrier than ever.
He is also keen to publicly play down the significance of this fixture but privately he must know that victory would provide a huge psychological boost.
The four defeats last year are just part of a more worrying trend for Aberdeen fans.
Their side has recorded just one home win against Celtic in the last 11 matches – if they are serious about challenging, that has to change.
Celtic manager Ronny Deila
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"I think they are a better team this year than they were last year because they have consistency. They brought in a couple of good players as well as keeping their team so have more experience than last year. And they've started very well, so it is going to be a tough game" |
Celtic's sights have been focused on European fields of late, but this provides their biggest domestic test so far and it's one they need to come through before a tricky trip to face Ajax in the Europa League.
It's a stadium of personal significance for Deila – it gave birth to the 'Ronny Roar' following a hard-fought victory last year and the place where the Norwegian says the Celtic fans finally accepted him.
Two managers with fans who trust – something has to give.