Jimmy Thelin in defiant ‘different game’ statement as Aberdeen gear up to face the Scottish champions and league leaders Celtic tonight at Pittodrie…
The top two have faced each other twice so far in two separate competitions this season. The first, a pulsating 2-2 draw at Celtic Park as Aberdeen clawed their way back from 2-0 down to snatch their first point in Glasgow’s East End for over five years.
A different story at Hampden
However, it was a different story at Hampden as the Hoops responded with a resounding 6-0 victory over Jimmy Thelin’s men sealing a place in the Premier Sports Cup final. It was the first time the shrewd Swedish boss had been beaten since his arrival from Elfsborg in the summer.
Four games have come and gone since the Dons were demolished by Brendan Rodgers’ side at the national stadium in early November, and they have only won one of those encounters.
Aberdeen winless in last three matches
Winless in their last three league matches, the Pittodrie club have slipped four points behind the Scottish champions with Celtic also having a game to spare. The gap has narrowed between themselves and third place to seven points with the dynamics of the league table set to take another twist tonight.
Meanwhile, Celtic remain unbeaten domestically this season and have a chance to stamp their authority further with a victory in the Granite City this evening.
Coupled with 11 points in front of third place, to create clear daylight between Celtic and Aberdeen would go a long way in having one hand on the Premiership trophy, and it’s only early December.
Record crashing at Pittodrie tonight
Someone’s record will come crashing down at Pittodrie this evening. Aberdeen have a 100% home record so far this season whilst Celtic retain a flawless record on the road during this campaign.
Regardless of the hosts form leading up to this exciting midweek fixture, Aberdeen always provide a stern test for Celtic. Tonight will be no different and manager Jimmy Thelin believes the environs of this match dictate it will be a different affair to those at Celtic Park or Hampden.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Thelin said, “what happened before doesn’t matter. It will be two different games, so let’s see what we do better in this game.”
“That was a big semi-final and Celtic played very well” Jimmy Thelin
“That was a big semi-final and Celtic played very well, but this is a different game, we are at home this time. We know what Celtic are good at but we want to focus on what we can do. For us, it’s about being clear what we want to do no matter who we play against and approach the game in that way. Hopefully we can see a big step forward.”
“When you go onto a football game you always believe you can win, you have to believe that. You can’t think about what other people think. You always respect the opponent, but you always have to believe you can win at Pittodrie.”
“If you lose one game or draw a game, you have to remember why you started on this journey in the first place. You have to stick to the process, improve and adjust all the time.”
Aberdeen’s injury problems
Also, Aberdeen have suffered cruel injury blows as Thelin broke the news that goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov who will be out for six weeks, and defender Jack McKenzie will miss this evening’s match.
Kick off for tonight’s clash between the top two is 8:00pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. For supporters outside Britain and Ireland, Celtic TV will be covering the match which will be available to subscribers as usual. COYBIG!
Conor Spence
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