It is reasonably safe to suggest that Celtic can, and probably will, gain the league upper hand at Pittodrie tonight. Aberdeen v Celtic is a big one for Rangers.
The chances of a horrendously off-form and managerless Aberdeen getting the 3 points against title-pushing Celtic are pretty low.
This is what Celtic have been waiting for, and unless Peter Leven pulls off a miracle of a performance, the visitors will take full spoils.
Rangers
This means Rangers will be bumped down to third, and at a major disadvantage going into the split.
While the chances of Celtic not dropping any more points are low, nevertheless getting that win and going second will give them impetus.
Rangers failed to take advantage of getting into the position they are in, and too many draws lately have let that slip.
Which means that while Celtic will only have a point advantage over Rangers, it’s a psychological blow.
A favour
In short, Rangers fans are crossing our fingers that Aberdeen do us a very, very unexpected favour.
Of course the Dons don’t give a hoot about a title race, they care about staying up. They care about themselves. And they will give everything they have in a big match at home to try to take the win.
But the chances are low, because they are so, so poor.
And that is likely to give Celtic the 3 points and second place.
What then?
The title will be gone?
Ibrox Noise already felt that against Hibernian weeks ago, but results since then have affirmed that.
And now Celtic have a big chance to exploit Rangers’ dithering and overtake us in the league.
Is the title decided, in effect, at Pittodrie tonight?
Quite possibly – Celtic winning will gain them on Hearts and overtake Rangers. And Rangers will be relying on beating both Hearts and Celtic and indeed results elsewhere to secure 56.
It’s unlikely to happen at Aberdeen v Celtic.
But, football’s a funny old game innit?