Dangerous expectations at pivotal weekend

There is a belief in football that the seemingly small game after a significant victory is dangerous.  Players psych themselves up for a big and important task, but they are not machines.  When that task is achieved, the mental energy for the next game is never the same.

You, me and everyone at Celtic knew the incredible importance of last week’s games at Tynecastle and Easter Road.  Neil Lennon got his second tenure off to a winning start and then kept the treble treble dream alive.  The expectation that we will beat Aberdeen tomorrow is overwhelming.

I don’t like this scenario.  Aberdeen will not compliantly roll over.  They are a better team than Hearts or Hibs and if we win, we will earn it the hard way.

This could be a weekend the league pivots.  If Newco drop points at Easter Road tonight and Celtic win tomorrow, the remainder of the campaign will be like a procession.  But if this scenario is reversed, every game will be played under intense pressure until the lead is extended.

Neil Lennon’s Hibernian took four points from Newco within a week in December, significantly weakening their challenge.  New manager, Paul Heckingbottom, will know that tonight he has an opportunity to put a stake of personal credibility in the ground.