“I have to say”; McInnes makes Celtic admission over recent form

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Derek McInnes has admitted that Celtic have gotten themselves back in form ahead of his Aberdeen side’s trip to Parkhead tomorrow.

Many Dons fans may have smelt blood when looking ahead to this fixture a month or so ago. Celtic were continuously slipping up and were still receiving some backlash over the January Dubai trip. Meanwhile, McInnes’ Aberdeen were battling it out for third and even had an eye on second [Daily Record].

Now, the complexion has changed dramatically. Aberdeen now haven’t scored in any of their last five matches. Celtic, meanwhile, have won their last four games and have returned to some decent form.

McInnes did highlight how disappointing a campaign Celtic have had in the build-up to this one [Press and Journal]. However, he also couldn’t help but admit that Neil Lennon’s side are back in decent form once more.

As quoted by the Scotsman, McInnes said: “No-one will really give us a chance. But I think it’s important, in every game, that we see it as an opportunity to pick up points. We’ve got to go down there with the belief and the confidence that we’re good enough to put in a performance that will get us something from the game.

“We’ve got our squad now, we’ve a few injuries to contend with. But, by and large, the squad for St Mirren was the squad that will be with us now for the rest of the season.

“Celtic have improved, I have to say, of late. Their results have been really good. It’s always a tough game regardless of whether they are flying at the top of the league or searching for form.”

Derek McInnes wary of Celtic; Hoops can’t take lack of goals for granted

Many of us would expect a comfortable win tomorrow. Or at least it should be when you compare the two squads and the quality they both have.

But we can’t look at Aberdeen’s goalless run and take anything for granted. Despite their poor attacking form, their frontline has more quality in it now than it’s had for some time.

Aberdeen will come to Glasgow with Florian Kamberi, Fraser Hornby, and Callum Hendry available respectively. Kamberi has scored at Easter Road and Parkhead against Celtic before. Hendry and Hornby can also cause problems physically and particularly in aerial duels.

It’s only a matter of time before McInnes’ men start finding the net again. Especially with that attacking trio – who you would imagine will turn out to be a lot more efficient than Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main respectively.

A lack of match-fitness could be an issue for many of them of course. Kamberi’s Dons debut in their 0-0 draw with St Mirren on Saturday was his first game since mid-December. In terms of sharpness, we should have enough in the tank to keep Aberdeen out once again.

But time will tell. McInnes has managed some positive results at Parkhead in the past. Given how our season has gone so far, it wouldn’t overly-surprise you if he landed another blow on us.

In other news, Jackie McNamara has been discussing Odsonne Edouard and what Celtic need to find in his replacement.