ABERDEEN sparked an “is it or isn't it a title race” debate with their weekend defeat of champions Celtic.
I can't see past the Glasgow giants in the long run but it has to be regarded as a contest until the holders pull away.
And that could be later rather than sooner as Aberdeen have an opportunity to extend their lead at the top to five points tonight if they win their game in hand against Hamilton while Celtic's focus will be on the Europa League for a couple of months.
After taking their chance to edge out Celtic with 10 men this is a different kind of test for Derek McInnes's side who are a best 4-9 at Coral.
So often the Dons rise to the occasion when they are underdogs and at the weekend the atmosphere at Pittodrie was electric – the best he's witnessed according to McInnes.
That victory should ensure another big crowd inside Pittodrie to cheer their favourites to a record seventh win at the start of the season and they've got out of the habit to losing sides they should beat.
Strong defence has been the key to Aberdeen's success this season with just two goals conceded – compare that to second-placed Celts who have allowed in eight and third-placed Hearts who have let in 10.
Last season after losing the first meeting 3-0 at New Douglas the Dons then won three times without conceding – netting seven in the process. Consider Dons to win to nil at 13-10 with Paddy Power.
Accies started the season well but were smashed 4-1 by St Johnstone at the weekend so consider Dons -1 at 5-4 at Ladbrokes.
Adam Rooney was on target against Celtic with a penalty and is 16-5 at McBookie to score first. Kenny McLean impressed in the supporting role at the weekend and should have scored a couple.
The ex-St Mirren forward has a super strike on him and is 11-5 at bet365 to net at any time.
Ali Crawford has been Hamilton's star turn this season and the little playmaker is 11-2 at bet365 to hit the target.
Neither side have any serious selection problems and Dons midfielder Jonny Hayes is free to play after appealing his red card against Celtic.
Recommended Bets
Aberdeen to win to nil
(13-10, Paddy Power)
McLean to score
(11-5, McBookie)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Mr. F its a great pick! And tonight we are all on Aberdeen to extend their winning streak to seven
You’ve mixed up the prices of your top bets, Mr F.
Lyall, it’s sorted.
It may sound crazy but I’m on Hamilton and both teams scoring Aberdeen are very average team who have been punching above themselves Hamilton already beat hearts and I’m going 2-1 or even 3-1 Hamilton for me Aberdeen are about to come crashing down to earth
Mark, it’s a brave call – not sure Greg would agree with that having watched his side turn over Accies at the weekend.
Hamilton only beat Hearts because the ref wrongly sent off a Jambos player when they were leading.
Two seasons ago Aberdeen couldn’t be trusted to win this sort of game but their displays in the last year or so suggest they can now handle the pressure of being hot favourites.
Aberdeen on cloud nine after beating celtic but celtic were shocking Aberdeen are in confident mood and I believe they are now over confident and that’s my main reason for saying Hamilton only rime will tell but I’m very confident Aberdeen will lose tonight and probably lose to hearts Sunday
Good write up Mr F. Mark, Aberdeen are definitely not punching above their weight. We have improved the squad from last season and have an excellent blend of youth and experience. Don’t forget, it was only our 4 Celtic defeats that cost us last season. If we can get that right and Celtic can slip up a few times then you never know. We were well worth the win last Saturday even though we wasted a few chances.
Aberdeen will not only win tonight and get at least a draw at Hearts on Sunday they are in with a REAL chance of winning the league, especially against a very, very ordinary Celtic side. Note my comments dated 15/09/2015!!
Aberdeen beware tonight is game against an form Hamilton. The league is a marathon not a sprint.
Hesenberg, that will be an “in-form” Hamilton who lost 4-1 at St Johnstone on Saturday.
Aberdeen have no stars in there ranks on football terms if Aberdeen were to win league Scottish football in itself would fall to a all time low with rangers out of top league the standards have dropped to low but to have a very average Aberdeen winning the league would be a disaster for Scottish football Aberdeen would struggle to hold there own in English league 2
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I was wrong but it was won by a penalty but we’ll done Aberdeen 7 in a row they will lose sooner or later and once tasted defeat how will the react I feel maybe Sunday could be the day but on saying that they could be 8 clear of celtic by Sunday teatime I feel unless celtic wake up they will be to late to catch up Sunday is massive day for hearts Aberdeen and celtic rangers will feel they can beat all 3 teams at the moment
Mark, it won’t be 8 points but even if it was it wouldn’t be over with the teams to meet 3 times.
Hearts will be tough to beat on their own patch in front of a full house.