Aberdeen’s date with destiny is almost upon us and, like the first meeting of the two clubs this season, it is the Dons who must answer their critics who question their title credentials as they prepare to face champions Celtic.
The transfer window will have closed by the time the two best teams in Scottish football kick-off at Pittodrie and at this stage whether there will be any new faces in either line-up is no clearer.
Players have been linked by the dozen to both clubs but so far Erik Sviatchenko is the only new face in the Hoops camp while Adam Collin, who has yet to play, is the new arrival at Pittodrie.
Ronny Deila is set to complete the signing of Patrick Roberts on loan from Manchester City while Derek McInnes is still searching for a midfielder and, ideally, another attacking option.
It’s a case of watch this space for both sets of supporters.
Whatever transfer activity is to come, you can be sure the stakes will be high for the Pittodrie powderkeg.
The Dons beat the Hoops with 10 men in a thriller in the last meeting at Pittodrie before the champions gained revenge at Parkhead.
Having opened up a six point lead on the Dons since then the pressure is on Aberdeen to show they have the ability to go with the desire to take the fight to Celtic into the spring.
The Dons have the advantage of having been able to train away from the spotlight for Wednesday’s big game while Celtic’s attention is very much on their League Cup semi-final against Ross County at Hampden on Sunday.
One suspects the outcome of the cup-tie will go a long way to determining the mood in the Hoops camp for their trip north.
Defeat will leave their dream of a treble in tatters and ratchet up the tension in the Celtic camp at Pittodrie.
But victory will undoubtedly add fire to the bellies of Deila’s players who would know victory would put them firmly in control of their destiny and yet another championship.
The only pressure on the Dons comes from within. They want to keep the title fight going and believe they can do so. No-one will say it but within Pittodrie the Dons know a win is a must in this one.
High stakes? You better believe it.
This is the biggest game Pittodrie has hosted since the Dons beat Dundee United 2-1 in May in the relegation great escape of 1995.