Celtic will be under more scrutiny than ever when they face Aberdeen on Saturday.
There have been some testing domestic matches since Brendan Rodgers took over but a nine point lead at the end of February could be trimmed down dramatically by Sunday tea-time.
When Celtic went to Pittodrie in October it was on the back on a Champions League defeat from Bayern Munich and demanding Betfred Cup semi final against Hibs at Hampden.
On that occasion the hoops turned on the style, sweeping Derek McInnes’ side away with a devastating brand of football.
It was that sort of standard that the fans hoped would return after the winter break but with five points dropped in their last two Premiership matches and on the back of a feeble 3-0 defeat against Zenit things haven’t gone too plan.
Any defeat is worrying but when management and supporters are questioning the desire of players there is a new dimension added.
Over the next three weeks the Celtic squad being questioned has the chance to make history- that starts with a statement on Sunday with the vultures looking in for another domestic slip.
DORUS DE VRIES
Despite his mistake for the second goal against Zenit St Petersburg Brendan Rodgers will stick with the Dutchman.
Scott Bain hasn’t played since October but could be given his chance next week against Dundee or Morton.
All eyes will be on de Vries, Aberdeen will try a few long range shots early on but the 37-year-old has the experience to come through with a clean sheet.
CRISTIAN GAMBOA
Has barely had a look in this season after opting to play in the Gold Cup ahead of Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers.
He was rarely in trouble domestically and has the pace to push forward in support of James Forrest to make things difficult for the Aberdeen defence.
Mikael Lustig has looked badly out of sorts over the last few months, Gamboa is certainly fresh and could have a big role to play in the remainder of the season.
JACK HENDRY
It has been a stop start beginning to his Celtic career but the former Dundee defender is likely to get his chance to come in and star alongside Kris Ajer.
Rodgers has clearly lost faith in Jozo Simunovic with the 23-year-old heavily involved in the defeats from Hearts and Zenit.
Hendry has a decent awareness of the Scottish game, now he has to show that he has the mentality to handle the expectations of being a Celtic player.
KRIS AJER
His reputation wasn’t tarnished by the defeat from Zenit, he is a far better player than the rookie that got the runaround in Astana.
Aberdeen will be keen to test the centre of the Celtic defence but Ajer has the ability to withstand that although he will have to reign in his attacking instincts.
More and more responsibility is being placed on his shoulders but having captained Start at the age of 17 he is used to being in that position.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Was given little support against Zenit as he went toe to toe down the flank with Branislav Ivanovic.
He will have felt Thursday’s defeat as painfully as anyone- and will know how much it means to the support to take full points from Aberdeen.
Earlier this season he was outstanding in the 3-0 win over Aberdeen- don’t be surprised if he hits those heights again.
SCOTT BROWN
They don’t like our skipper up there!
Brown has utterly dominated this fixture in the past and loves nothing more than responding to the abuse that pours his way from the Pittodrie stands.
With Aberdeen missing the suspended Graeme Shinnie whoever takes his place will have to be on top of their form to put the shackles on Brown.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
It has been hot and cold from the Frenchman this season but this type of fixture should certainly suit his game.
Breaking up the threat from the home side shouldn’t be too much of a problem with Scott Brown prompting throughout the 90 minutes.
Ntcham has become the automatic pick alongside Brown, with Stuart Armstrong close to a return he knows that the competition is about to get tougher.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Can expect to drop back deeper to help out in centre midfield, taking the place of Eboue Kouassi for the day.
He knows his way around this fixture, turned in an exceptional performance in the final of the Scottish Cup and made his full Scotland debut at Pittodrie in November.
Aberdeen will be wary of his goal threat and ability to pop up in unexpected areas.
JAMES FORREST
It may have been a little defeatist but it seemed that his substitution against Zenit was with this fixture in mind.
Forrest has been the outstanding attacking player of the season and can take advantage of Andy Considine playing at left-back.
The return of Patrick Roberts won’t be causing any concern, Forrest is the man in possession with opponents wary of the damage he is causing.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Produced his best form of the season in the 3-0 win at Pittodrie, his power and pace was impossible for the Dons to cope with.
A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since that night with the goals virtually drying up on last season’s top scorer.
There are no more European nights to impress other clubs with, Dembele needs to deliver domestically if his career path is to remain on track.
CHARLY MUSONDA
Some might be tempted to go more defensively in this fixture but with Aberdeen desperate for a win there should be space for Musonda to exploit.
After three weeks at Celtic he has a fair idea of the expectations and the treatment he is likely to get from opponents.
His presence will cause Aberdeen problems, if the full team is functioning Musonda can be the matchwinner with a range of skills that few opponents can legally halt.