Friday 28 October 2016 08:35, UK
Charlie Nicholas is backing Aberdeen to have "a real go" at Celtic this weekend and put the league leaders' unbeaten domestic record under pressure.
Brendan Rodgers' new-look side may have found life tougher in the Champions League but they have been carrying all before them on the home front and go into Saturday's fixture seven points clear of their hosts with a game in hand.
But Nicholas believes that Derek McInnes' men have the tools to hurt Celtic and is expecting plenty of fireworks at Pittodrie.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "There is a big gap between the resources of the two sides of course and Celtic were able to make eight changes in midweek and win comfortably at Ross County.
"If you stand back and offer them too much respect they will beat you, if you defend too deep they will beat you because they will make chances.
"Aberdeen have pace and power up front with the likes of Jonny Hayes and Adam Rooney and they have a strong midfield now. If you score first against Celtic you just don't know. Aberdeen this weekend I can guarantee will have a real go at them.
"It's a massive game for Aberdeen and for the league for a bit of credibility. It's 11 v 11 and you're going to have a full house. There'll be drama, emotion and physicality. I expect Aberdeen to give Celtic more of a contest than Rangers did last weekend."
Nicholas, who played for both clubs during his 16-year career, says that Rodgers' fresh approach has given the Celtic faithful the type of attacking football they crave but he does not expect Aberdeen to be cowed into submission.
He said: "I have enjoyed watching Celtic again but every system is vulnerable. You can have a go at every system - Man City, Barcelona, even Arsenal at the moment.
"Believe me I played in these games before. Aberdeen with a full house will be determined to win because they cannot afford to lose. Certainly a win will give people hope that they can challenge Celtic again."
