With the current international break failing to provide much amusement, Celtic fans are eagerly anticipating the return of club football this weekend.
The Hoops welcome Aberdeen to Parkhead in a table-topping clash on Saturday, with the Bhoys looking to create some daylight at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Defeating the Dons, though, will be no mean feat.
Jimmy Thelin has won every competitive game he has managed with Aberdeen and has no plans to let his guard down this weekend.
The Swede’s early record in the Granite City makes for impressive reading, but so too does Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ against Aberdeen.
Rodgers has managed against the Pittodrie side 17 times during his career, winning on 15 occasions, losing just once, and drawing once.
His only defeat to Aberdeen came in a meaningless game. A memorable 1-0 win for the Dons at Parkhead on trophy day in 2018 ensured they finished 2nd in the Premiership that season, a place above Rangers.
The only other time Rodgers failed to beat Saturday’s opponents was last season, when, despite a Nicolas Kuhn goal, the Bhoys drew 1-1 in the northeast.
Across his two spells as Celtic boss, Rodgers has enjoyed some memorable wins over the Dons.
He has defeated the club in two cup finals, an energy-sapping semi-final last season, and masterminded a 6-0 mauling of Aberdeen at Parkhead almost a year ago.
The gaffer would welcome a similar result this weekend as his side aims to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign.
