Victory at Celtic a must for Aberdeen, says Andy Walker
Friday 30 October 2015 15:47, UK
Aberdeen cannot afford to lose against Celtic this weekend if they are to mount a serious title challenge to the champions, says Sky Sports' Scottish football expert Andy Walker.
Derek McInnes takes his team south for the showdown, which will be shown live on Sky Sports 2HD from 12pm on Saturday, aiming to end a run of five games without a victory.
Since claiming all three points from a visit to Tynecastle in September, the Dons have lost to Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, St Johnstone and Ross County in the league.
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A home draw against Motherwell last weekend arrested their decline and Walker believes further improvement at Celtic Park is essential to maintain their interest in this year's title race.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ the former Celtic and Scotland striker said: "When you look at Aberdeen last season, they lost all four games against Celtic but when they beat them at Pittodrie earlier this season you thought that would give the players the belief that they can go on.
"If you beat Celtic then surely you can beat the likes of Inverness and St Johnstone. But they have dropped so many points that it's been a shock to everyone and there is now the prospect of them being seven points behind after Saturday's game.
"If that is the case, then I think you will see Celtic just pull away. The strength in depth they have, and, in the end, the lack of quality Aberdeen have to last the pace over the course of the season [is the difference]."
While Walker insists the hosts are 'far and away' the best side in Scotland, he is looking for an improvement from Ronny Deila's side on the European front.
After failing to reach the group stages of the Champions League, Celtic have drawn two and lost the other of their opening three matches of their Europa League campaign.
While upcoming home matches against Molde and Ajax offer the Hoops a chance of turning their fortunes around, Walker has yet to be convinced of their credentials on the European stage.
"There are two sides to Celtic," he said. "I think when you see them in domestic form they are absolutely terrific and by far and away the best side in Scotland.
"I have no doubt they will go on and secure another title but the criticism of Celtic comes in their European campaign.
"They are our flag-bearers and the type of performance they showed against Dundee United at home last week [won 5-0] when they absolutely ran over the top of them... that's accepted. But the criticism comes when they lose in Europe."
