Aberdeen face daunting Celtic test – Premiership picks

It might be far too premature to talk about Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen as title contenders, but this match will be a fascinating marker of their progress after a run of 13 league and cup wins on the spin.

The Dons have failed to beat Celtic in their last 25 attempts, the club’s longest run ever without defeating the green and white half of Glasgow.

Their last three trips to Celtic Park have ended 6-0, 5-0, and 4-0. So, a competitive performance, never mind a positive result, would be progress.

Aberdeen’s start has been impressive, with Thelin quickly implementing an attractive style while improving players.

But this will be the first game the Swede has faced for which his side are not the favourites, and so will be a test of his ability to adapt his tactics, something he was effective at when in charge of Elfsborg in his homeland.

Plus, some of Aberdeen’s numbers – particularly how ruthless they have been in taking chances – could suggest they are over performing relative to their general play.

The club rank seventh in the Premiership for shots on target per game, but top the league when it comes to the rate of shots they get on target ending in goals.

Whereas Celtic are only slightly less efficient but while creating far more opportunities, which is why they have hit 22 goals in just seven games.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have only conceded one, as well, in their flawless start.

So this is an altogether different challenge for Thelin’s Aberdeen. How they respond will be intriguing, but not defining for the team or manager.