Aberdeen v Celtic: Official Match Preview.​

A five point lead, most likely reduced to two – that is the realistic scenario facing the SPL Champions when they face a rejuvenated Aberdeen side that, with the exception of recent defeat at the hands of Hamilton, is in a rich vein of form.

Celtic’s previous venture to Pittodrie resulted in a 1-1 draw; this in last season’s Scottish Cup quarter final. On that occasion, it was Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink who spared the Bhoys blushes with a late effort – a sign that the Dons can prove formidable opponents at home.

Nonetheless, confidence is high in the Celtic camp. Despite throwing away a two goal lead in their last SPL fixture – at home to Dundee United – the much publicised unrest between manager Gordon Strachan and wing wizard Aiden McGeady has finally been put to bed. McGeady was instrumental in last weekend’s Cup victory against Dundee, and Celtic will be hoping the young Irishman can put the incident behind him and concentrate on recapturing the form that won him such high accolades last season.

McGeady – Back in the fold.​

Aberdeen, after an abysmal run at the start of the season, have come good of late; youngster Sone Aluko looks to be a shrewd acquisition for the Dons, especially bearing in mind the £50,000 pittance the club paid for him. Meanwhile, the form of Lee Miller has caught the eye of a number of rumoured suitors. Sir Alex Ferguson’s praise for Miller following a pre-season friendly establishes his calibre, and the Hoops rearguard will have to be on top of their game to shackle the talismanic striker.

Miller – outstanding of late.​

For Celtic, midfielder Marc Crosas continues his recovery from an injury that left him frustrated on the sidelines for three months; nevertheless, Strachan may well start Paul Hartley alongside Scott Brown who has been on top form recently.

Brown has been given a “licence to roam” this season, and he is clearly relishing this new-found freedom. A number of eye-catching displays have begun to justify the hefty transfer fee the Bhoys paid for him, and his confidence appears to soar with every passing match.

Brown – a “licence to roam.”​

In attack, Hesselink is back in contention, having returned from injury, and is expected to feature at some point – the likelihood is he will have to start the game on the bench, however, as Strachan will keenly realise the significance of this encounter. Starting him in such a crucial game, while not fully fit, would be a substantial risk that may well be deemed imprudent.

In goal, the much-maligned Artur Boruc is expected to keep his place ahead of Mark Brown. Boruc has been castigated for his calamitous errors against Dundee, but there can be no doubting his class. After a shaky start to the season, he had looked far more like himself in recent weeks. Although the Dundee performance will not have done his confidence levels any favours, Boruc is one of the true world class players in the Celtic squad. The Bhoys need him back to his best as soon as possible.

Boruc – Keen to atone for last week’s errors.​

A crucial game, made all the more crucial by its timing – the anticipated three points arch-rivals Rangers will be looking to collect against Falkirk a day earlier will close the gap at the top of the table. It is up to the Champions to open that gap up once more, reinforcing their position as the best team in Scotland.