Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown between Celtic and Aberdeen is fast approaching as the international break draws to a close this week.

With both sides tied at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic will be looking to put an end to Aberdeen's 13-game winning streak in all competitions.

Neither has dropped a single point in any of their opening seven league games so far.

With Brendan Rodgers set to face Dons manager Jimmy Thelin for the first time since the Swede took over at Pittodrie in June, the Hoops boss told Celtic TV: “I think Jimmy has come in and done really, really well.

“At any level to get 13 wins out of 13 they are going to arrive into the game in a confident mood, playing well, and obviously getting results.

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“So, he will be really pleased with how it’s gone and I’m sure the supporters will be buoyed by their start to the season.

“But we will prepare like we do for every game, and we will respect the opponent we will play and none more so than this weekend.

“But I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Aberdeen from being able to watch them over the international break seeing how they defend and how they attack and we will be able to put a plan in place.”

He continued: “I really enjoy that challenge on the side of the pitch. I don’t know Jimmy, I’ve never met him before, but the work is what you see on the field and they’ve been working really, really well.

“The team is well organized. Defend in 4-4-2, they work very, very hard when they haven’t got the ball, and then when they’ve got the ball, they look to build the game.

“They can go deeper if they want to, but they look to build the game from behind and progress through the third.

“They’ve got some talented players and a good mix of experience in there as well. So Aberdeen is a club that is always expected to be up there.

“When I was in my first period, Derek had done a great job with Aberdeen. They’re always there, thereabouts in finals, challenging at the top of the league, and after maybe a challenging few years, for whatever reason, Jimmy’s come in and looks very calm on the side. The players have obviously responded to that.”