I know how Aberdeen can end the title sniping behind their backs and it doesn't end with Celtic acid test – Chris Sutton

Jimmy Thelin doesn’t shout his mouth off. He doesn’t have to.

His Aberdeen team are doing the talking for him. Nonetheless, the Dons’ doubters are still piping up with plenty to say. So this is Thelin’s perfect opportunity to slap them down and silence them. You simply can’t fault what the Swede has done since walking in the doors at Pittodrie. I don’t care what level of the game in which you are operating, 13 wins out of 13 in all of your competitions is outstanding work. Yet the cynics are still lined-up out there and, in some respects, I get their point.

Without European football participation, the acid test for the Dons are matches against Celtic and Rangers and, until now, they haven’t had one. It stands to reason that people will reserve judgement until events unfold this afternoon in Glasgow’s East End. That’s nothing against Thelin and his team. That’s just common sense. However, if you go to the home of the champions and do some damage, there will be no more whispering behind their backs.

No more quiet sniping about them being flat-track bullies ready to get found out when faced up to a test from Glasgow’s pair. In general, there's an upcoming spell full of opportunity for the Reds.

If it doesn’t go to plan at Celtic Park, there’s another opportunity against Brendan Rodgers’ side in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup. I’m not writing off Aberdeen as title challengers, but I’d be honest and say that, right now, that last-four match does feel even bigger for them.

Success at the National Stadium would surge them a game from a trophy, whereas regardless of the outcome today, there’s still 30 games left in the Premiership. Sandwiched in between the Celtic fixtures are two massive home games against Dundee