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Celts Face Tough Pittodrie Test

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Taz, Dec 16, 2022.

By Taz on Dec 16, 2022 at 4:19 PM
  1. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Celts Face Tough Pittodrie Test
    ~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~

    [​IMG]
    Saed Haksabanovic and the Bhoys celebrate in the 2-1 win over County last month

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
    Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
    Saturday, 17 December 2022
    12.30 GMT

    The Hoops will be keen to pick up where they left off as they head to the North-East to take on Aberdeen this weekend as the League season is resumed following the World Cup break.

    It has been an impressive start to the League title defence this season, with the Hoops winning 14 of the first 15 games - including the last eight straight - but there is still a very long way to go.

    So far this season the Bhoys have been able to turn on the style, most notably in the 9-0 mauling of United, the 4-0 derby demolition of Sevco and the 6-1 hammering of Hibs.

    However, it has not all been smooth sailing, as there have also been a number of close calls and late dramatics, including Gorgios Giakoumakis' 96th min winner away at St Johnstone or that bonkers 4-3 game at Tynecastle.

    It has been this mix of style and resilience that has got the Celts to the start they have had this campaign, and there will no doubt be need for more of the same in the days, weeks and months to come, with fixtures set to be coming thick and fast.

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    World Cup Bhoys Daizen Maeda, Aaron Mooy, Cameron Carter-Vickers & Josip Juranovic

    The Bhoys will have to be right up to their best tomorrow as they take on a much improved Dons team, who have been especially impressive at home this season, which has propelled them up to sitting in third on the ladder.

    Indeed, Jim Goodwin's side have won all but one of their fixtures at home this season in both the League and League Cup campaigns, including the past 6 straight - 5 of which have been in the League.

    So there will be no room for 'easing back into action' tomorrow, as the Hoops need to get back into the swing of things, with a win over the Dons - ironically, the same team that they kicked off the League campaign against on Opening Day back in July, when the Bhoys won 2-0, thanks to goals from Stephen Welsh and Jota.

    [​IMG]
    Jota scored on the opening day 2-0 win over Aberdeen back in the summer

    Just the Facts of the Stats

    • The Hoops are currently on a 8 Premiership game winning streak coming into this weekend.
    • Celtic have kept just 1 League clean sheet since the beginning of September.
    • The Bhoys are undefeated in the past 12 visits to Pittodrie, dating back to Feb 2016.
    • The Dons have been almost perfect at home this season, winning 9 of their 10 games in all competitions - including winning 6 of 7 in the League there.
    • Jim Goodwin's side have scored 22 goals at home in the League compared to just 7 on their travels.
    [​IMG]
    CalMac Returns: The Skipper is expected to be back in action this weekend

    Team News

    The Bhoys will be without Josip Juranovic, who is still on National team duty with Croatia at the World Cup, while new signings Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi are ineligible to play until January and James McCarthy is also out with a continued hamstring problem.

    On a brighter note, captain Callum McGregor is expected to e available once again, following a knee problem that kept him sidelined since early October.

    Moritz Jenz remains one booking away from picking up an automatic suspension.

    Jim Goodwin's side will be without Liam Scales, who is on loan from Celtic, as well as winger Callum Roberts, who has been troubled by persistant hamstring issues this season.

    Referee: Steven McLean

    McLean is one of the more experienced referees active in the top flight, having made his Premiership debut way back in 2010. This will be the third time this season McLean will have taken charge of a game involving Celtic, after the 9-0 win over United and the 6-1 win over Hibs.

    M:33 W:26 D:3 L:4

    VAR: Kevin Clancy


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG] ~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~ [​IMG]

    Overall
    P: 300 W: 183 D: 66 L: 51

    Last 5 Meetings
    W W W W D

    [​IMG] ~~~~ 2022/23 Form ~~~~ [​IMG]

    Overall
    W W W L W ~ W L W L W

    SPFL
    W W W W W ~ W L W L W
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2022