THE biggest match of the Scottish season? Without doubt reckons Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79)! But what will the Scot be backing on Sunday?
Celtic v Aberdeen | Sunday 12:00 | Sky Sports 3
What a huge match this is! I can't remember being as excited about a Scottish league fixture for a number of years to be honest. As someone with no affiliation to either of the (old) Old Firm, the prospect of another team from outwith that duopoly wining the title is a tantalising prospect.
Aberdeen have given us a great run for our money this season and the fact we're still discussing a title race as March dawns is some achievement.
You could say they're taking on Celtic at just the right time. It was only Thursday when Celtic were eliminated from Europe after losing 1-0 to Inter in the San Siro. The close nature of that tie means a decent amount of energy would have been expended.
The Dons are also on a 13 match unbeaten run in the league. That's the best unbeaten run by a non-Old Firm team in the league since Hearts in 1997/98. Astonishing!
However, when it comes to the crunch, I think we'll see the title race die on Sunday. Celtic have been gradually improving under the tutelage of Ronny Delia and, as we witnessed in their Europa League tie with Inter, are now at a hitherto extremely effective level.
Nine domestic wins in a row with just one goal conceded are the actions of a side brimming with belief and brio. They're the caterpillar that's evolved into a beautiful butterfly.
Aberdeen are probably playing as good as they have in the last 20 years. Unbeaten in 13 in the league, all 11 of their wins in that spell have been to nil. Rewind it to the week before this spell began though and you'll notice the Dons lost 2-1 to Celtic at Pittodrie.
It was all there for Aberdeen that day. Celtic didn't play too well and had Scott Brown sent off, but they managed to grind out a victory with ten men in the last minute via a Virgil Van Dijk goal. It was a crushing blow for Aberdeen.
They meet again on Sunday at Celtic Park, and at 8/13 you can't stick your nose up at the price of the home side. I think Celtic's nous and experience will be too much here and I expect them to win.
Aberdeen should score though. You have to go back to mid-October to the find the last time they fired a blank. They are definitely in a position to exploit Celtic's Europa League hangover in that sense. I'll avail myself of the 29/10 from Coral on Celtic winning and both teams scoring.
Thank you Aberdeen, it's been a great ride. But sadly the title race now ends here. Big love. Chris xxx
Best Bets
Celtic v Aberdeen – Celtic to win and both teams to score (29/10 Coral)
Your View?
Come on then guys, let's hear it! What's your view on this monster match?
3 Comments
I can’t bring myself ot back Celtic today because I just don’t want the ride to end. I’m like a child who’s time on the bumping cars has ended. I’m ignoring the calls of the vendor. For me the music is still playing. I vigorously spin the steering wheel hoping against hope that my efforts will compound the inertia.
It can’t end here Chris, it can’t. It won’t!
A draw will do me.
I should probably point put that I think it will actually end here. I have been saying for a while how excited I am by this Celtic side and Thursday night’s performance just enhanced that. They are so comfortable in possession all over the park, so much energy from the full backs to the striker, so much potential.
I feel exactly the same as you mate. Gutted at that result! It’s been such an exciting season with Dundee United, Inverness and Aberdeen giving Celtic a run for their money. The first two dropped out a while ago, but so sad that Aberdeen have now joined them. Ah well, same old, same old.