Rangers will be present when Celtic plays Aberdeen this weekend.
Billy Dodds, a former striker for Rangers, thinks that if Aberdeen defeats Celtic this weekend, they might make a big statement. On Saturday afternoon, Celtic Park will host a match between the top two.
The Dons have made a dream start to the new Scottish Premiership season under Jimmy Thelin. They are level on points with the Hoops after winning all of their seven fixtures so far.
Rangers find themselves five points behind the duo in 3rd place. However, Philippe Clement’s side have only lost once in this campaign and beat St Johnstone 2-0 at home in their last outing before the international break as they prepare to face Kilmarnock away.
Dodds has said, as per The Press and Journal: “If Aberdeen win on Saturday then it would be a huge statement. It’s not the end of the season, the league’s done or Aberdeen are going on to win the league, but it definitely lets people know Aberdeen are there to be reckoned with this season. It tells the league Aberdeen are ready to push hard at the top whether it is for the league or to finish ahead of Rangers.
“This is the ultimate test, you are playing the champions away from home. It’s a test for any team going to Celtic Park whether it is a Scottish club or on a European night. I know they were hammered in Dortmund but if you send any team to Celtic Park it is a massive test.
“It will be a test for Aberdeen but one they should embrace and go and enjoy the challenge. Aberdeen have lost heavily there a few times in the last couple of years but I would hope the players go there knowing there is no pressure on them. Yes, teams are looking at them and people are talking about whether they can keep it going. But I’d rather be going there in good form full of belief than struggling in a relegation battle at the bottom of the table.”
Aberdeen impressing
He added: “I’ve watched Aberdeen three times this season and what stands out for me is the simple things they are doing which has helped the team so much. There’s no doubt compared to last season nothing has changed in terms of the full backs (Jack) MacKenzie and (Nicky) Devlin.
“They are still bombing forward whenever they can. But what has helped give the team a better base when the full backs are attacking is the fact Graeme Shinnie and Sivert Heltne Nilsen both sit. It was just (Graeme) Shinnie last year and they did lose a few goals as he was isolated at times.
“Nilsen is a huge help off the ball to Shinnie but when they are in possession Shinnie has more licence to push higher as he knows he has Nilsen there. It’s allowed the Aberdeen full backs to bomb at will but without the same risk of losing goals as they had last year.”
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