Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine believes the Dons can score a psychological advantage for the upcoming Scottish Cup final by ending Celtic’s long unbeaten run.
The Dons will host Brendan Raodgers’ side on Friday evening ahead of the teams meeting again at Hampden on May 27.
The Hoops are only three games away from completing the Scottish Premiership season unbeaten but this week’s match at Pittodrie is their toughest challenge left with an away game against Partick Thistle and a home match with struggling Hearts to come.
Rangers were the last team to complete an unbeaten campaign in the top flight – but that was in 1898-99 when a season only contained 18 games.
Considine, Aberdeen’s player of the year, feels it would give the Dons huge confidence for the cup final if they were to inflict a first defeat of the season on Celtic this Friday.
He said: “It’s probably going to be a bit surreal playing Celtic this week knowing that we’ve got the Scottish Cup final just a few weeks away.
“If we can get a result against them I think it would have an impact on the game at Hampden.
“For us, it would put a slight doubt in their mind.
“Don’t get me wrong, they are above and beyond a lot of teams in this league and they showed that against Rangers in the back-to-back Old Firm games.
“So it’s going to be very tough but I believe if there is a team to beat Celtic this season then we’re the ones who can do it.
“I felt we gave a really good account of ourselves down at Celtic Park recently and if we can do that again at Pittodrie we can get a result.
“Celtic are unbeaten this season and I’m sure that is in the back of their minds.
“To go a whole season without losing a game would be an unbelievable achievement and that shows where Celtic have been this season.
“They handle pressure really well and although I’m sure the unbeaten thing will be at the back of their minds they will be as ready as we are.”
Considine could be tasked with marking the PFA Scotland player of the year Scott Sinclair on Friday night but the Dons defender feels the Hoops side contains several players who could have claimed the gong.
He added: “Scott Sinclair won the award and I don’t think anyone could argue with that.
“I voted for Stuart Armstrong because I think he’s been incredible this season.
“Watching him come through at Dundee United and then progress to become the player he is today has been very impressive.
“I think it was only right he got into the Scotland squad as well.
“It’s great to see young Scottish guys do well.
“I was surprised Scott Brown wasn’t on the shortlist because he’s looked back to his best this season.
“Was it because he is too mouthy? I don’t know, that’s just him and that’s what makes him the player he is.”