Indeed, the Dons fell to Callum McGregor’s 87th-minute winner for Celtic after putting in an incredibly disciplined defensive performance at Pittodrie Stadium in their first game back from the World Cup-enforced break.
Jim qGoodwin’s side had just 19% of possession despite playing on their home turf, mustering only two shots as Kelle Roos made save after save in Aberdeen’s goal.
However, Celtic’s pressure ultimately paid dividends when their captain struck with only three minutes of normal time remaining, potentially leaving their opponents mentally and physically shot ahead of another challenging game this week.
Having held the Gers in their last match against them at their stadium in January earlier this year, though, there is every chance that Scotland’s third-placed side can cause an upset on Tuesday.
After opting to poach Michael Beale from Queens Park Rangers to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst in their managerial dugout, Rangers returned from the break with a dramatic 3-2 win against Hibernian on Thursday.
The visitors twice took the lead in the opening exchanges at Ibrox Stadium, but quickfire strikes from Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos either side of the hour mark handed Beale a crucial victory in his first game in charge.
With a nine-point deficit behind Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Tuesday’s trip to Aberdeen provides a golden opportunity to place some pressure on the Bhoys ahead of their clash against Livingston a little less than 24 hours later.
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With the two Glasgow rivals coming head-to-head in a few weeks’ time, Beale’s side can not afford any further slip ups if they are to stand a realistic chance of overhauling Ange Postecoglou’s side between now and the end of the campaign.
Aberdeen will remain without Callum Roberts, who faces at least a couple of more weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Given how close his side were to claiming an excellent point against Celtic at the weekend, Goodwin may choose to pick the same team, providing he has no concerns regarding his player’s energy levels.
