The first two face each other in Pittodrie. Their first league game in Glasgow was a thrilling 2-2 draw.
What followed in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden was not entirely unexpected, as Celtic won, but the 6-0 margin was an ignominious slap in the face, ending the 16-match unbeaten run in style. from Aberdeen.
The Dons have subsequently picked up seven points in the league and Brendan Rodgers’ champions travel to the north-east four points clear with a game in hand.
Jimmy Thelin, if his media engagements are anything to go by, would be the latest to suggest that his Aberdeen side are a viable title contender and another defeat to Celtic would put the brakes on such talk even further.
On the other hand, victory could reignite their season and the Dons have the only 100% home Premiership record to protect, with seven Premiership wins at Pittodrie under Thelin.
Of course, the only team to beat Celtic in 21 games this campaign was Borussia Dortmund and Ronny Deila was in charge when they last lost to Aberdeen in 2016.
The leaders could also afford to rest several key players in Saturday’s cruise through Ross County, the day before Aberdeen had to fight for a draw at Tynecastle.
And, while the Dons may be proud of their home form, Celtic boast a 100% away record, with 22 goals scored in those seven wins and just two conceded.
With those two perfect sets of results on the line, something has to give and we should be in luck.
