Celtic and Aberdeen have emerged as two early runners and riders for the Scottish Premiership title this term amid their unbeaten league starts.
Both sides have achieved identical records of eight victories and one stalemate against each other, leaving the Bhoys leading the way in the standings on goal difference ahead of tonight’s round of fixtures.
Brendan Rodgers will have his Celtic side fired up to take on Dundee on home soil. Meanwhile, Aberdeen face Rangers in the slightly later kick-off slot in a match that will garner plenty of attention in Scottish Premiership circles.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 3 | 24 | 25 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 25 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 15 |
Regardless of events in the North East, Rodgers admitted he has little interest in events at Pittodrie and is solely focused on looking to achieve three points at Parkhead.
However, with Jimmy Thelin’s men on the rise, Simon Donnelly has made a prediction on whether they can keep pace with Celtic over the course of the season.
Simon Donnelly on whether Aberdeen can challenge Celtic
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Celtic man Donnelly doesn’t believe Aberdeen will have the wear with all to go toe-to-toe with his old side over 38 matches.
Nevertheless, he does feel they could be a threat in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final this weekend, urging the Bhoys to keep on their guard to avoid any Hampden upset.
He explained: “I don’t think over a campaign, Aberdeen can match Celtic. They might prove us wrong, but I don’t see that over a 38-game campaign, but it’s certainly a threat next week.
“You only have to look to the game last week where it’s 2-0 at half-time and Aberdeen teams of the past may have just came out and that it may have been 3-0 or 4-0 Celtic, but they bounced back and Celtic had, albeit it was a correct decision by VAR, but that could’ve overturned the game to 3-2 at that time.
“I think it’ll be a test. Celtic, regardless of who they play, they have to go out and they have to be at their best to overcome these teams. That will be one where Aberdeen will look at that as a great chance for them to get some silverware (talking about semi-final).”
Celtic know what they have to do to stave off challengers
Sometimes, there is only one message applicable for Celtic. Winning is the way to stave off anyone keen to throw their hat in the ring for the title, something the Bhoys have managed to do with distinction over the last few years.
12 of the last 13 league crowns have made their way back to Parkhead, which isn’t a coincidence. Ultimately, when the going has got tough, the Bhoys have found the mentality needed to pull through when others haven’t.
Supporters expect more of the same this campaign, but nobody is taking anything for granted. What matters is Celtic continue to put points on the board, then talk of further silverware can come to the fore.
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