Celtic were at their irresistible best in the League Cup semifinal when they thrashed Aberdeen 6-0 last month. There was an air of expectation among fans who travelled south to Hampden that they would beat Celtic and win the cup. That confidence was based on the result between the sides at Celtic Park only two weeks prior to their meeting at Hampden, when Aberdeen came from 2-0 down to draw the game.
Defeat by St Mirren and draws at Hibs and Hearts have very much readjusted Aberdeen’s hopes for the season. Winning a trophy and having a crack at the title have been replaced by a desire to hold onto second place. Even that aspiration would be put under pressure if they fail to take anything at home to the champions tonight.
Before the teams met at Hampden we discussed how that was the first time this season Aberdeen had to play three games against top flight opposition within a week. Their midweek game (a win over Newco) drained the legs of whatever energy had pushed them through previous encounters.
They did not have another three game week until their St Mirren-Hibs-Hearts run, which not only drained the legs but sapped seven points from their league campaign. The game at Tynecastle was three days ago but will feel like yesterday to the Aberdeen players’ legs.
Celtic, on the other hand, are setup for games every three or four days. They have the muscle memory and fitness levels only available to athletes who are tested regularly at this aspect of the game. We should grow stronger as the game gets into the latter stages.
Aberdeen’s regular keeper, Dimitar Mitov, was injured against Hearts and was replaced by former Celtic youth, Ross Doohan (26), who last made a start at East Kilbride in July. Doohan’s 45 minutes against Hearts on Sunday was his second appearance in top flight football. Tonight will be a test for the keeper who Brendan Rodgers will remember from his first time at Celtic.
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Hot smoked
It’s a nervous diversion
Gene on 4th December 2024 4:56 pm
You are probably correct ( Even so, I was looking for an egg connection in your comment !!).
An oeuf is enough!
as i always say, cqn’ers can be as complacent as we want before a game.
we arent playing, picking the team or responsible for the teams tactics.
so it matters not a jot!
Just hearing the utterly tragic news that our dear friend SFTB has passed away suddenly.
RIP to one of the finest bhoys and prayers to his loved ones. Loved reading his unique takes on here.
Terribly day. Just awful.
Lousy weather forecast for Aberdeen through game time, 40 to 50mph winds from the south and heavy rain, that will be a further test for the team and squad, I feel for the support tonight who will be exposed to the elements.
Rest in Peace SFTB
Bognorbhoy
Eggsactly.
If anything it might keep us grounded to have a win like that.
Rest in Peace SFTB
Aipple on 4th December 2024 5:12 pm
Just hearing the utterly tragic news that our dear friend SFTB has passed away suddenly.
RIP to one of the finest bhoys and prayers to his loved ones. Loved reading his unique takes on here.
Terribly day. Just awful.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Very sad news. May He Rest in Peace.
The Engels ‘debate’ will run for a bit I reckon. The fee guarantees that. For me, who looks exceptionally comfortable on the ball, nice touch and he covers a lot of ground. Thats all I’ve seen so far. Penalties aside, his set pieces have by and large been flat and disappointing. Compare with McCowans delivery for Scales goal at the weekend. However, I trust BR and think Engels will come good, we will have to be patient for him as he is far from the finished article.
I absolutely said similar about Bernardo though, I liked him but couldnt see what he excelled at as an MF. Right now, Paolo looks fairly complete in all departments and I would start him tonight, but will have no issues if its Arne. Perhaps he needs a standout, breakout game like Bernardo had v Dundee or New Year derby
My greatest expectation is for Luke McCowan, his form, impact, goal threat, attitude and technical ability can only be ignored for so long. What an incredible steal he has been for us.
TJ
That’s is terrible news re SFTB.
Without doubt the best poster. A really good guy.
Devastated to hear this.
Terrible news…
R.I.P. Setting free the bears
BURNLEY78
So very true.
That’s shocking news
RIP SFTB
That is dreadful news.Terrible anytime but being so sudden makes it even worse.
That is sad indeed. A CQN stalwart.
RIP SFTB.
Rest in Peace SFTB Terrible news.
Really shocking news about SFTB.
Very sorry to hear it.
Terrible news about Setting free the Bears – Tony.
Clever and kind man.
Thanks for letting us know, Aipple.
Shocked to hear the sad news of Tony’s (SFTB) passing. A fine poster here and a true gent in person.
Ar dheis láimh Dhé go raibh anam uasal Tony.
🙏🙏🙏
News that SFTB has died has come as quite a blow. Tony was one of the good guys and an original mind.
Thoughts with Sheila and the family.
That is shocking news .
SFTB, A great Celtic fan.
RIP.
SFTB
R.I.P.
Just logged in again and stunned at the news.
Thoughts and prayers for Tony and his family.
Rest in peace Tony, you will be missed.HH
Shocked at the news,I conversed with Tony on here on a weekly basis, but not with the depth of knowledge that man had,sincere condolences to his family and his friends on here RIP Tony
Terrible news about Tony lovely guy in real life, my thoughts are with
Sheila and his family.
A great loss to the Celtic community where we were privileged to read his
musings.
RIP SFTB
Tragic news about SFTB
One of the best on here and one of the originals if my memory serves me well
Absolutely Shocking news about, Tony, SFTB.
One of the very best.
He will be sadly missed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam dilis.
Shocked and devastated to hear the news of SFTB Tony’s sad passing.
A top, top, CQN-er from the very early days – probably the best – and such a lovely guy.
God rest you Tony.
Shocked to hear the sad news of SFTB’s sudden passing. Was just chatting to him on Saturday before the game. A fine, fine man, who will be sadly missed. God Bless the soul of Tony Gillespie 🙏 🕯💚
Rest in peace Tony. I was with you in the Shipbank on Friday. I’m finding it difficult to believe it.
Terrible news about SFTB. Consistently one of the best posters on CQN. Will be sadly missed
Shocking news about SFTB. Spent a couple of hours with Tony in my conservatory a few months ago when he was up collecting some memorabilia for his wee ‘shrine’ downstairs in his house. Very funny and knowledgeable guy, sharing a professional background as we did.
Sad, sad loss to CQN. RIP Tony.
Ave Ave
Absolutely stunned by the sad news about Tony 💚🙏
Shocking and very sad news of the death of SFTB.
He was a towering figure on this blog and will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends.
God rest him HH
Shocked to hear of the death of SFTB, may he rest in peace.
Condolences to his family and to all those who knew him and loved him
Very sad news of the passing of a, true Celt SFTB ,sincere condolences to his family and friends 🍀