Alan Shearer believes Celtic and Rangers’ packed European schedules could open the door for Aberdeen to achieve the unthinkable and win the Scottish Premiership title.
Under new boss Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen have made a remarkable start to the season, winning all 12 of their matches in both the Premier Sports Cup and the Premiership.
This run matches a record set by Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side in 2000, with the Dons currently level on points with the reigning champions, trailing only on goal difference.
While Celtic were being comprehensively beaten by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and Rangers were preparing to face Lyon in the Europa League at Ibrox, Aberdeen have been enjoying a valuable period of rest.
They are gearing up for Sunday’s clash against Hearts, who themselves have been tasked with a lengthy journey to Azerbaijan to take on Dinamo Minsk in the Europa Conference League.
Shearer, speaking to Betfair, feels Aberdeen could exploit the big two’s gruelling fixture lists and mount a serious challenge for the title.
He said: “When you look at the start to the season Aberdeen have had, winning all 12 games under a new manager, the longer it goes on, you’d have to think they’re serious contenders to upset Celtic and Rangers this season.”
He continued: “Everyone’s talking about them, and that can only be a good thing. I hope it continues because it’d be great if someone upset the apple cart up in Scotland. It would be great for the Scottish Premiership if they could win the title. They’ve had an amazing start.”
Reflecting on Celtic’s recent struggles, Shearer added:
“When you look at what happened to Celtic in Dortmund earlier this week – the result, the travel, and everything else – that can only help Aberdeen, there’s no doubt about that.
“It’s great that Celtic are in the Champions League, but in terms of what Aberdeen are trying to achieve, the heavy defeat as well as the extra games in Europe can only help them achieve what seems like the impossible and win the top-flight title.”