Aberdeen will look to continue their positive start in the Scottish Premiership this Saturday, when they take on champions Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium.
Both sides have been out of action since last month, though have been put through their paces in friendly matches to maintain match fitness.
Match preview
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Aberdeen have been in impressive form in the Scottish Premiership and sit third in the table, having amassed 25 points from 15 matches played under Jim Goodwin.
The Dons have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch in Scotland this campaign, registering the most goals scored in the division outside Celtic and Rangers with 29 efforts converted.
Much of their attacking potency has been down to summer arrival Bojan Miovski, the joint-top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with 11 goals alongside Rangers forward Antonio Colak.
Aberdeen have not played a competitive match since last month, though were in action against Major League Soccer outfit Atlanta United in a friendly whilst using their training facilities during the World Cup break.
Coming into the match on Saturday, Aberdeen will aim to strengthen their grip on a continental qualification spot with a result against league leaders Celtic.
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Celtic make the trip to Pittodrie in great form and will look to maintain their healthy advantage at the top of the Premiership ranks this weekend away to Aberdeen.
The Hoops occupy first position in the league table, nine points clear of bitter rivals Rangers following a strong first period of the campaign with Ange Postecoglou in charge.
Heavy squad rotation has been a key feature at Celtic Park in 2022-23, and seems to have worked very favourably as the Glasgow giants have won 14 of their 15 Scottish Premiership encounters, losing just once to St Mirren back in September.
Celtic have also been out of action since November, but they were on a tour of Australia last month, where they used matches against Sydney FC and Everton to gift minutes to squad members who were not present at the World Cup.
Now all focus will turn to their bout with Aberdeen on Saturday, where they could take another step towards retaining the Scottish Premiership title if they claim a victory.
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Team News
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Aberdeen winger Callum Roberts is a doubt for the match against Celtic this weekend owing to a long-term hamstring problem that he has struggled with since early August.
Liam Scales will be ineligible for the tie against his parent club, potentially meaning that Jack MacKenzie could be drafted into the back three alongside Ross McCrorie and Anthony Stewart.
Bojan Miovski and Luis Lopes look likely to lead the line, while Ylber Ramadani is at risk of suspension if he picks up a booking during proceedings.
For the visitors, captain Callum McGregor will be available for selection in midfield following his recovery from a knee injury.
Josip Juranovic will be absent for the Hoops as he aims to secure a medal with Croatia at the World Cup in their third-place playoff match against Morocco on the same day.
James McCarthy is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Moritz Jenz is at risk of suspension if he is yellow carded during the fixture.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Roos; McCrorie, Stewart, MacKenzie; Kennedy, Barron, Ramadani, Clarkson, Coulson; Lopes, Miovski
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; O'Riley, Hatate, Turnbull; Jota, Abada, Furuhashi
We say: Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic
In a match with significant permutations at the top end of the table, both sides will look to seize the initiative early on as they look to secure an important triumph.
On this occasion, Celtic will win the battle and get off to a perfect start in their first match since the break for the World Cup.
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