FORMER Celtic goal hero Chris Sutton insists Brendan Rodgers’ side are in a class of their own.
Flawless Aberdeen are in second place behind the champions only on goal difference after both teams raced through their first seven league games of the campaign without a stumble.
Now there is a face-to-face confrontation between the juggernauts at Parkhead this afternoon and Sutton is intrigued at how the acid test for the visitors will play out.
The one-time England international striker said: “Let’s be honest, Celtic are a different class to anyone in the league at this moment, regardless of points totals.
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN…Brendan Rodgers salutes the Celtic fans after the 2-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall, win No.7 in a row as the champions aim for a fourth successive title.
“Aberdeen would do well to note the way Brendan Rodgers’ team took Rangers apart and they have, basically, also done that to the rest.
“Let’s be clear about a couple of things. I’m not going to sit here and suggest that Jimmy Thelin’s team are moving into position to rip off Celtic’s crown.
“My old side has far too much strength in depth and ability to be overcome by any of the challengers outside of their own city.
“Not even a Dons victory today would change that notion in my head, although it would give me food for thought in terms of their ability to split the Old Firm and get ahead of Rangers if the Ibrox side can’t properly sort themselves out.
“Nonetheless, the Dons’ doubters are still piping up with plenty to say. So this is Thelin’s perfect opportunity to slap them down and silence them.
HIGHLAND FLING…Kyogo Furuhashi was an effective substitute in Dingwall.
“You simply can’t fault what the Swede has done since walking in the doors at Pittodrie. I don’t care what level of the game in which you are operating, 13 wins out of 13 in all of your competitions is outstanding work.”
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “If it doesn’t go to plan at Celtic Park, there’s another opportunity against Brendan Rodgers’ side in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup.
“I’m not writing off Aberdeen as title challengers, but I’d be honest and say that, right now, that last-four match does feel even bigger for them.
“Success at the national stadium would surge them a game from a trophy, whereas regardless of the outcome today, there’s still 30 games left in the Premiership. Sandwiched in between the Celtic fixtures are two massive home games against Dundee United and Rangers.
“Seriously, if they win even one of the trio of matches against the Old Firm and take care of Jim Goodwin’s boys over this next massive fortnight, you can’t do anything else but treat them as the real deal.
“Yet, looking at the task in hand today, that’s one very big if.”
Sutton added: “The huge majority inside the stadium will be desperate for Celtic to trample all over Thelin’s team. Stamp their status as the kings of the country.
“To be honest, that could easily happen because, if Rodgers’ side hit their highest level, they will be impossible for the Dons to live with.
GETTING SHIRTY…Alex Valle’s progress is hindered by unfair means against Ross County.
“But Aberdeen have their own weapons. They are doing so much right and I really enjoy their style, just as much as I enjoy Thelin’s manner.
“There’s no fuss about him. No silly talk. He seems like a straight-shooter who keeps his big words for inside a dressing room.
“They’ll all need to be at their very best and, even if they are, it still might not be enough. Yet defeat doesn’t just mean they will have failed.
“It might be that Celtic are too good on the day.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers has a chance of a return to first-team action after missing the last four games with a toe injury.
Rodgers will not rush the defensive rock and it’s the same situation with left-back Greg Taylor who also has fitness concerns.
The Scotland international defender will miss out today and on-loan Barcelona prospect Alex Valle will again line up in the No.3 slot.
Adam Idah started the previous – the 2-1 win against Ross County in Dingwall – but it is more likely Kyogo Furuhashi will get the nod to lead the attack on this occasion.