Aberdeen aims to challenge Celtic in crucial Premiership clash

Midfielder Leighton Clarkson expresses confidence ahead of top-of-the-table showdown.

As Aberdeen prepares to face Celtic in a highly anticipated Premiership match at Pittodrie, midfielder Leighton Clarkson has voiced the team’s determination and confidence. Following a disappointing 6-0 defeat to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, the Dons are eager to demonstrate their growth and resilience. Clarkson emphasizes that the team has learned valuable lessons from that heavy loss, particularly regarding their approach to the game.

Learning from past defeats

Clarkson reflects on the semi-final defeat, pinpointing a passive approach as a significant factor in the team’s downfall. He asserts that the Dons are ready to adopt a more aggressive strategy this time around. “We can’t fear them,” Clarkson stated, recalling a period when Aberdeen had a commendable record against Celtic, including three consecutive draws. The midfielder believes that with the right mindset and preparation, the team can end Celtic’s unbeaten league run.

The importance of home advantage

With a perfect home record this season, Aberdeen is poised to leverage the support of their fans at Pittodrie. Clarkson noted the electric atmosphere that a packed stadium can create, stating, “When Pittodrie is bouncing, it can rock other teams.” The Dons have secured 11 wins from 11 home games across all competitions, and Clarkson is optimistic that this trend will continue against the league leaders. The team is eager to reclaim their position at the top of the table and is counting on the home crowd to provide the necessary boost.

Addressing recent challenges

Despite a strong start to the season, Aberdeen has faced challenges in recent matches, including a frustrating 1-1 draw against Hearts. Clarkson acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining leads in tight games, emphasizing the need for the team to capitalize on their opportunities. “We had nine points to play for and we’ve come out with two,” he lamented, highlighting the urgency for improvement. The Dons are determined to rectify these issues and approach the match against Celtic with a renewed focus and determination.

As the match day approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating clash between two of Scotland’s top teams. With Clarkson and his teammates ready to put their lessons into practice, Aberdeen aims to make a statement against Celtic and solidify their position in the Premiership.