Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes insists his side do not fear a Celtic backlash after wrecking their ambitions of a domestic double.
The Dons face the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders for the first time since knocking them out of the William Hill Scottish Cup two and a half weeks ago.
Celtic have responded to that shock 2-1 defeat in Glasgow by redoubling their defensive efforts and helping keeper Fraser Forster post a new Scottish league record for clean-sheets of 1,215 minutes.
But McInnes says Aberdeen are high on confidence despite slipping to a 3-1 defeat against Partick at the weekend and are ready for whatever Celtic have to throw at them.
Speaking before Tuesday's Pittodrie clash, he said: "It's the perfect game for us. Any time Celtic come to town it's always eagerly anticipated and it's a good challenge for us.
"Celtic deserve huge credit for their league form this season. Fraser Forster's record is something he should be really proud of. I think that says a lot about the team rather than just the individual as well.
"They are quite a formidable opponent but it's a game that as a player, a manager or a supporter, you are always looking forward to.
"I think we should go into the game looking forward to it and I think we should go into the game with confidence, certainly based on our performances against Celtic this season. The games have all been tight and winning the game a couple of weeks ago was a great boost for us in terms of our confidence and our belief going into the game for the players."
The Dons were surprise losers at Firhill as the Jags claimed their first home league victory since winning promotion back to the top flight.
But McInnes hopes the Granite City support will cheer his team on to another win over the Hoops.
"It's great to be back at Pittodrie, we've been on the road for a while now and it's good for the players to be back here," he said.
"I think the home support will be glad to see the team back and playing. If we put in the performance that we are capable of there is no question that we can go and try and get a positive result."
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