Charlie Nicholas believes Aberdeen can challenge Celtic for title
Friday 11 December 2015 11:38, UK
Charlie Nicholas believes Aberdeen can still challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title despite their recent form dip.
The Pittodrie side won their first eight games of the league season - a new club record - as they moved five points clear at the top of the table.
They then failed to win any of their next five Premiership matches as Celtic surged past them at the summit and Hearts later overtook them too.
More recently, however, Aberdeen have taken 10 points from their last 12 as they have beaten Dundee United, Ross County and Dundee to move back up to second place.
Derek McInnes' team play Hearts this weekend live on Sky Sports as they look for a result which will allow them to exert more pressure on Celtic.
Aberdeen are currently four points adrift having played a game more so the Parkhead team remain clear favourites to come out on top.
Despite that, Nicholas - who played for both clubs - feels McInnes' men can push them after getting over their slump.
He told Sky Sports Now: "They had a really bad five weeks where they were five points clear. Now, all of a sudden, they're four behind having played a game more.
"Hearts are okay. They've done very, very well and are well run now but I think Aberdeen are the biggest threat.
"They've regrouped, come back and they're coming back into a bit of form. Celtic will, in my opinion, still win the league, but I think Aberdeen can certainly challenge them.
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"We've got an Aberdeen home game against Celtic coming up live on Sky in midweek early in February so I look forward to that one."
Nicholas, meanwhile, has backed Rangers to win the Championship despite a strong challenge from second-placed Hibernian.
Mark Warburton's side are three points clear at the top of the second tier and host Morton this weekend while Hibs are at home to Falkirk.
Nicholas added: "I think Rangers will win the league. Warburton has handled the situation pretty well and Hibs have been sensational.
"Rangers are still trying to settle issues with Mike Ashley (major shareholder) behind the scenes and I think they will have to go into the market and strengthen in January.
"They had a £7m budget and that should be enough to win the title for me."
