Barry Robson backs Aberdeen to end losing run against Celtic

Barry Robson says Aberdeen's failure to take a point from Celtic last season will have no bearing on the outcome of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash.

Derek McInnes' side drew a blank in four attempts against the champions, who had 17 points to spare over the Dons at the end of May.

Aberdeen have won the first five matches of the season and former Celtic midfielder Robson believes they will stretch that sequence to six in the eagerly-awaited Sky Live showdown at Pittodrie.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Robson, who won the league and Scottish League Cup during a two-year spell with the Hoops, said: "Last year was disappointing but the previous season did we not beat them three times?

"I thought in a couple of the games last season that we were unfortunate, taking nothing away from Celtic who are a good side. They were close games and we always make sure we take it to the wire.

"You can't dwell on the past so it's a case of looking forward, it's a new season. We feel fit, we feel strong and we feel confident in our team and club. And we're looking forward to the challenge."

And asked if Aberdeen can keep pace with Ronny Deila's side this season - win, lose or draw on Saturday - Robson, who was capped 17 times by Scotland, added: "Yes. Why not? 

"We have a terrific squad and the manager has done a terrific job. We will always be motivated. Training is always right. There's a lot of determined characters in the dressing room.

"Celtic are a bigger club with a bigger budget but you can build a great unity within a squad, with good balance, enthusiasm and energy. It's amazing how far that can take you as a group so let's see if we can keep up there fighting with them for the remainder of the season."

And Sky Sports pundit and former Celtic striker Andy Walker believes the visitors' new-look defensive line could offer the Dons hope as they look to reclaim top spot in the table this weekend.

"If Aberdeen are serious about mounting a title challenge they've got to show to their supporters that they are capable of handling this occasion. Something they didn't do last season.

"I think they are a better side than last season With Shinnie coming in, he's improved them. McLean in the midfield is a goalscoring threat. He certainly improved them. With Adam Rooney in good goalscoring form, alongside David Goodwillie, they've still got a threat in the main positions. 

"Whatever happened last season, Celtic always came up with a performance or a goal that was enough to get all three points. And it was enough to keep Aberdeen at arm's length. For the Aberdeen supporters to get a bit of a lift, they need to see their team capable of getting all three points against the Scottish champions, and that's not easy.

"I think Aberdeen's best chance to get three points is to expose Celtic's backline. The transfer window has come and gone now. It's all change for Celtic at the back. 

"I think we knew for some time that Virgil van Dijk was going to go to Southampton. Ronny Deila has brought in some interesting players like Saidy Janko and Tyler Blackett from Manchester United; Dedryk Boyata from Manchester City and Jozo Simunovic, the big signing.

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"I don't think he will play all four of them together. But if they do, it's a work in progress. In recent weeks Celtic have been exposed by Inverness, Kilmarnock and Malmo. That's obviously Aberdeen's big strength from middle to front with the likes of Hayes, McLean, McGinn and Goodwillie and Rooney. Aberdeen have the potential to expose Celtic defensively."