Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits only a fool would bet against Celtic winning the league – but believes his Dons are good enough to inflict a first domestic defeat of the season upon the title favourites tomorrow.
Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops have already opened up a seven-point gap at the summit with a game in hand after Wednesday’s 4-0 victory at Ross County – ahead of this weekend’s top two encounter at Pittodrie.
Celtic won 4-1 when they faced the Dons for the first time this season at Parkhead in August but McInnes hopes his side can make amends by halting champions’ unbeaten start to the league campaign.
The Aberdeen manager said: “It is understandable that people believe Celtic will win the league.
“I do feel that it is up to us and others to do all we can to make sure that isn’t the case.
“Only a fool would say Celtic aren’t going to win the league the way they have started the season but we all have responsibilities to make sure it is not too comfortable for them, either.
“They will have little bits of doubt throughout the season and there is no better time than when you play them yourself.
“You can leave your mark on them and do damage by winning the game. That is our intention for Saturday.
“I think that helped us stay with Celtic last season. I don’t think they won the league until three games to go and us beating them twice here was a big part in that.
“You look at leagues all over Europe and normally by Christmas there are one or two dominant teams who are stretching away from everyone else.
“That is how it is in most countries but for us to try and stay with Celtic it is going to be difficult.
“I have always said Celtic will need to have a poorer season by their standards for others to get close to them.
“They actually have improved and that makes the challenge more difficult but I don’t think we should just roll over, either.
“We have a bit of pride in ourselves and we want to give them something to think about.”
McInnes, meanwhile, revealed defender Ash Taylor and forward Jayden Stockley, who both missed Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Hamilton, are likely to be fit for tomorrow’s match.
He added: “If they both come through training on Friday they will be added to the squad.”