Aberdeen seeks to regain winning momentum ahead of Celtic clash

Boss Jimmy Thelin focuses on restoring rhythm as Dons face Celtic at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen’s recent struggles

Aberdeen FC is currently facing a challenging period, having gone three games without a victory, including a recent 1-1 draw against Hearts. This slump has left the team with only two points from their last three league matches, a stark contrast to their impressive start to the season, where they went unbeaten for 11 games, securing 10 wins.

As they prepare to face the Premiership leaders, Celtic, at Pittodrie, manager Jimmy Thelin is determined to restore the team’s winning rhythm.

Understanding the rhythm of the game

Thelin acknowledges that every team experiences fluctuations in performance throughout a long season.

“Sometimes during a long season, you have periods when the dynamic is not perfect,” he stated. The Dons were in a strong position during their match against Hearts, leading 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal from Leighton Clarkson. However, a second-half own goal from Nicky Devlin allowed Hearts to equalize, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football. Thelin emphasized the importance of overcoming these challenging periods to regain momentum.

Injury concerns and squad depth

Adding to the team’s challenges, goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov’s injury raises concerns ahead of the crucial match against Celtic. Mitov was replaced at halftime due to a thigh injury, leaving Thelin to assess the situation closely. “Let’s see tomorrow; we need to make a real check on him first,” Thelin remarked. Despite the injury worries, Thelin expressed confidence in his squad’s depth, noting that Ross Doohan performed admirably in Mitov’s absence. This depth will be crucial as Aberdeen looks to end their winless streak at Tynecastle, where they have not won since 2017.

Strategic changes and future outlook

In an effort to break the winless run, Thelin made six changes to the starting lineup against Hearts, indicating a strategic approach to revitalizing the team’s performance. The adjustments included introducing Angus MacDonald and James McGarry for their first Premiership starts of the season. Thelin’s willingness to adapt and shuffle the squad reflects his commitment to finding the right balance and restoring the team’s competitive edge. As Aberdeen prepares for the upcoming clash with Celtic, the focus remains on regaining their rhythm and securing a much-needed victory.