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6 reasons why Aberdeen CAN challenge Celtic for the title as Rangers plunge into further crisis
Aberdeen are absolutely flying in the Scottish Premiership right now.
Unbeaten under Jimmy Thelin, passing all tests so far with flying colours, there has seldom been a better time to be an Aberdeen fan since Willie Miller was leading that side out as their captain. Pittodrie was absolutely rocking last night and few doubted their ability to dispatch of Rangers and continue their title challenge and keep pace with Brendan Rodgers' side.
With another meeting with Celtic coming up now this weekend in the League Cup semi-finals, it's a break from league action but the top flight will never be far from the mind of many Dons fans with one question going round and round their heads all day — could they actually win the league?
Here, FootballScotland lays out the reasons as to why the Dons can indeed challenge for their first league title since 1985.
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Squad depth already showing its strength
No side in the league has scored more goals from substitutes than Aberdeen so far this season with six. Shayden Morris' winner last night was yet another example of their strength in depth after Peter Ambrose did similar against Dundee United at the weekend.
The main man from the start of the season, Pape Gueye, is still to return from injury too, yet another attacking reinforcement to be utilised again. They have 15 different goalscorers so far this season too.
Usual rivals are nowhere to be seen
Traditionally Hibs and Hearts would be thought of as the sides most likely to trouble the Dons at the top of the table for a European spot or third-place finish — not this season though.
Aberdeen are currently a whopping 22 points clear of bottom-placed Hearts, and 21 away from Hibs. A gap that is surely insurmountable for the Edinburgh duo to remedy. The struggling pair would always fancy their chances of taking points off the Dons but perhaps not this season.
Rangers unable to shake up their dugout
There is a growing sentiment around Scottish football, particularly among Rangers fans, that if they are to get their season back on track they must make a managerial change.
However, their current off-the-field financial troubles suggest that may be a much more difficult task than previously thought. If they don't find a way to fix their woes, the Dons will be waving them goodbye.
Fortress Pittodrie
At home, they have only conceded six goals in 10 games and have sold out the stadium three times in a row for their last three home fixtures.
It's often said that league titles are won on a side's home form and defensive record — the Dons have got both going for them right now.
Big tests passed so far
A come back from 2-0 down to draw at Celtic Park. Beating Rangers at home. The two biggest potential tests so far this season have been passed. They have no reason to fear anyone.
The fixture list is kinder than others
Aberdeen's poor season last year means they have only domestic fixtures to play in this season.
While many fans will say they should consistently be in continental competitions, the lack of Europan commitments this campaign means they do not have to worry as much about the fixtures piling up and can focus on cup runs and league form. Celtic and Rangers meanwhile have their respective expended Euro games to contend with.
