Jimmy Thelin refusing to let semi-final play into thinking as Aberdeen and Celtic prepare for battle

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Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has spoken ahead of his side’s home clash against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this evening.

The visitors travel to Pittodrie in fine fettle after the Bhoys recorded a 5-0 victory over Ross County last weekend, while the Dons had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Hearts at Tynecastle.

Following a run of one win in five matches, Aberdeen know that Celtic could extend the gap at the top to seven points should another victory be forthcoming.

However, the Bhoys drew 2-2 with Aberdeen in their last league meeting, demonstrating that they can’t take their eye off the ball against a side who have found a spirit that waslacking last campaign.

Counteracting the Parkhead stalemate, Celtic thrashed Jimmy Thelin’s men 6-0 in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final last month, throwing down a marker that they are firmly the team to beat in Scotland.

Now, Thelin has offered his thoughts ahead of the affair and has stressed that he is keen to take this match purely in isolation.

Jimmy Thelin on Aberdeen’s clash with champions Celtic

Speaking ahead of an exciting top-of-the-table clash, Thelin has admitted that he isn’t paying too much consideration to events that unfolded in the semi-final, telling media that this is a ‘different’ occasion for his side to be involved in against Celtic.

He explained [Daily Record]: “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, 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.”

Celtic have decisions to make ahead of Aberdeen clash

After Celtic toppled Ross County, Rodgers made it clear that the Bhoys have a flexible squad that can enable him to shuffle the pack without a drop-off in quality.

In light of this, it remains to be seen whether Liam Scales, Alex Valle, Paulo Bernardo, Luke McCowan and Adam Idah will keep their places after being pitched in last weekend at Parkhead.

Rodgers has been here before; the Irishman is no stranger to working with quality. However, knowing how to format that correctly is what makes him the man supporters love in the dugout.

Hopefully, the Bhoys can put up another statement result at Pittodrie tonight, which would extend their lead over the Dons in the Scottish Premiership to seven points.