Celtic have received a boost ahead of Saturday’s clash against Aberdeen with the news that Derek McInnes won’t be on the touchline. The Dons boss was given a one match ban following an incident during last month’s Scottish Cup semi-final between the teams.
McInnes seemed to react to the Hoops support with an inflammatory gesture after allegedly being subjected to sectarian abuse. The Dons boss admitted post-match that he shouldn’t have reacted, but also called for punishment following the singing.
The former Rangers man may have a case that he’s been harshly treated but his misfortune is Celtic’s gain. He will now be absent from the touchline as his side aim to delay Celtic’s title party for another week.
The perfect boost
McInnes’ absence has given Neil Lennon’s side the perfect opportunity to go out and secure an eighth title in a row. We need just a single point from our final three matches but it would be nice to clinch it sooner rather than later.
With a tough trip to in-form Rangers up next, it would be nice to go there knowing it’s already in the bag.
Success at the weekend would allow Lennon and the squad to focus on the final match of the season. With several key players still carrying injuries it would be nice to have the ability to wrap some stars up in cotton wool.
A tough test
Matches between Celtic and Aberdeen have been close affairs in the main this season. The sides have met five times already with the Dons yet to record a victory. They did earn a credible draw at Parkhead in March though, and have lost three of the games by a single goal.
If the match is half as good as the previous meeting up north then we’ll be in for a cracker. Celtic triumphed at Pittodrie by 4 goals to 3 on Boxing Day with Odsonne Edouard’s goal adding to a sublime Scott Sinclair hat-trick.
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