Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will hope to have the monopoly over Aberdeen this weekend as the two clubs face off in a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash.
Possessing an almost impeccable record against the Dons over his two spells, Rodgers has won 15, drawn one and lost one of his 17 encounters against Aberdeen.
Jimmy Thelin will hope to have something to say about that this weekend. Both sides are level on 21 points apiece at the league summit ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 21 | 21 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 6 | 9 | 21 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 16 |
| 4 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 13 |
Since the turn of the century, Celtic have enjoyed some high-scoring victories over Aberdeen which has placed history on their side, with the Dons unable to breach the Bhoys’ resolve in their last 25 encounters.
Nevertheless, the Scottish Premiership isn’t a battleground where you can afford to let your guard down. Points are there to be won, so there isn’t any room for excuses even at an early point in the campaign.
Regardless, Rodgers has enjoyed a better vantage point than most over Aberdeen for most of his managerial career, something that has created considerable frustration in the Pittodrie ranks.
Aberdeen hero shares frustration at Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
With Aberdeen being talked about as a potential title challenger for the first time since the late 2010s, former defender Ash Taylor has shared why he thinks their challenge hopes could be genuine alongside recounting why Celtic boss Rodgers was such a tough managerial opponent to face.
He explained, firstly previewing this weekend’s encounter [Daily Record]: “Winning at Celtic would be a huge step for them. It is very difficult. You have to have the complete performance and then for Celtic to have a slightly off day. Then it’s still difficult, but it can be done.”
Later, Taylor added on the title race: “I think so, yes (on Aberdeen’s chances). The turn of the year will be big and will be interesting to see what happens during the January window. If they can strengthen again to help push more. As we know Celtic and Rangers will probably strengthen more as the demand is there.”
Finally, he revealed his frustration at coming up against Celtic during Rodgers’ first spell, as he said: “We just fell short in the end. There were a couple injuries and loans returned to clubs. Yeah he (Ward) was huge for us, I think Rooney got an injury as well and he was flying. Then with Celtic’s resources and experience in those final moments, they came through.
“It was hugely frustrating. It always said if Brendan wasn’t there we would’ve won a few trophies. They were playing some ridiculous stuff.”
Celtic know what they need to do against Aberdeen
It really is simple, the Bhoys know they need to quell any title talk by sending out a message to Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Although there is a refreshing element to the Dons’ early-season push, Celtic are the team to beat in Scotland and will likely give any potential challengers short shrift.
Marking a traditional feel to the affair, only supporters in the stadium will be able to watch Celtic take on Aberdeen legally amid the Hoops’ decision to pull out of Premier Sports’ SPFL contract.
While the game won’t be televised, the matchgoing support will be tasked with creating a wall of noise to see their side over the line on what promises to be an exciting spectacle.
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