Aberdeen vs Celtic: Jimmy Thelin and Brendan Rodgers look ahead to the Scottish Premiership game live on Sky Sports | Football News

Jimmy Thelin insists he will not let Aberdeen’s form “burden him” ahead of their clash with Celtic, while Brendan Rodgers expects a “tough” test at the home of their nearest title rivals.

The two best players in the Scottish Premier League meet in Pittodrie on Wednesday. live on Sky Sports, from 7:15 p.m.

Rodgers’ Celtic are unbeaten in the league, their only points lost coming in a 2-2 draw with the Dons at Parkhead in October.

Aberdeen go into the game four points behind the Scottish champions, who also have a game in hand.

Both managers have spoken to them Sky sports news before the decisive game…

Wednesday, December 4th, 7:15 p.m

Kick-off is 8:00 p.m

Does current form play a role?

After suffering their first league defeat of the season at St Mirren, Aberdeen dropped points in back-to-back draws at Hibernian and Hearts.

When Thelin took charge of the Dons in the summer he said he was ready for a “long-term project” and he believed Wednesday’s return to Pitoddrie would help them end their run of three games without a win.

“We don’t think about what people say about us. I think that is the most important thing for us, to remain stable, to build our identity step by step and to have a clear direction,” he said.

“Sometimes you can have periods that are really hard.

“Away games are always tough and that doesn’t stress us out. We know that we have to improve in some ways to achieve results.”

“We have to stick together until the last game of the season and then we’ll see what we can achieve.”

“Sometimes you need extra energy at certain stages of the season and I think returning to Pittodrie tomorrow can be a really good thing for us to bring that extra energy into the games.”

Celtic secured a 6-0 win over Thelin’s side in their last meeting in the League Cup semi-finals, but he insists his side will not be complacent.

“The mentality is strong and it will be that way because it is always tough no matter how well you do and whether Aberdeen do well or not,” said the Northern Irishman. “Pittodrie will be a tough game for us, especially at night.

“We were just a little behind in the first game, obviously we were up 2-0, and then they did well in the second half, but in the two games we created a lot of chances, a lot of opportunities.”

“The goal to achieve this game is like in every game: we have to work harder than in the last game and then try to bring our energy.”

“This is the chance we have to bring the energy and attitude that the players have shown all season.”

Mitov is out for Dons; McCowan could get the Celtic start

While Thelin will be forced to make at least one move, Rodgers’ selection issues stem from the impressive players he recruited against Ross County.

Dimitar Mitov has been a full-time player for the Dons this season, but the goalkeeper has been sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

He was forced off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Hearts when Ross Doohan came on and the former Celtic youngster will be in the starting line-up on Wednesday evening.

“We have a good squad. Ross did really well and Tom (Ritchie) was recalled for this week,” Thelin said.

“For me it’s more about the players who train so hard, want so much and then suffer little setbacks.”

“We have to support them now so that they can come back even better and stronger and trust in the players we have at our disposal.”

“We have a good medical team here and we will support them with everything we have.”

Celtic made six changes for Saturday’s comfortable win over Ross County, with five of those players scoring.

Luke McCowan was their star player, scoring the second goal and assisting three more goals.

Rodgers has seen huge improvement in the summer signing.

He said: “When I see people like Luke McCowan and see how he adapts to our style of play, see his winning mentality and his winning attitude, then I see that he has become one of us.”

“That’s the process and you have to give the players the opportunity and because of the way we play everything is very structured and very synchronized.”

“He and some of the others are now at the level where they know their role in the team.”

“That’s why it’s great that it’s happening. The players were absolutely brilliant at the weekend and whatever we do tomorrow night I expect the same.”

“For me it doesn’t really matter whether you get through the system, whether you’re a free transfer or whether you’re a record signing. It’s a matter of performing every day on the training pitch and then of course performing in the games.”

“Luke has done that so I would have no concerns about using him for an away game at Aberdeen tomorrow night, absolutely none.”