Panda

And Scott Brown. Whatever you think of him or that team, he started the season well personally and was man of the match in a few games. And don't think you can say he wasn't a leader. If Goodwin wasn't so keen on his scorched earth policy we could have had a midfield of Brown and Shinnie, and essentially have what we have now with Nilsen/Shinnie.

Shocked to hear he's a footballer.

I look forward to everyone pointing out Celtic haven't been tested yet...

I think we should actually be worried as Peter Leven is one of the favourites according to the St Johnstone ITKers. Rhys McCabe also fancied for it. I'd actually like to see Barry Robson get it.

I'm actually gonna disagree with everything I've been saying, and agree with @OrlandoDonthat Palavera and Clarkson should start. Would actually be good to see Palaversa get a wee run of games (including the Cove friendly) just to see how good he really is, and if Clarkson can get more minutes under his belt then I'd probably want to see him back in the starting XI soon.

But like I said, how do you keep that match sharpness? ie, Palaversa plays v Spartans. But he doesn't start v Dundee, Hearts and Celtic, he's lost any match sharpness he's gained from playing against Spartans. I'm not against Thelin making changes v Spartans. By all means play the fringe players, especially if any of our favoured starting XI aren't quite 100% fit. I just don't agree playing Palaversa means he'll be match fit a month later, and don't think Shinnie and Nilsen at this stage of the season are in need of a rest (unless Shinnie still not 100% after his illness).

The thing is we're asking two young guys (three of you include Jack Mackenzie) to learn together. I don't actually see a big improvement in Rubezic. I don't think he's as rash, but I still see him making the same basic mistakes - mainly being out of position and his poor distribution. I think you play the best players and I'd still say MacDonald is better than Rubezic at the moment.

Will he be needed though? I don't think he starts any games for the time being unless Shinnie or Nilsen are suspended or injured. He'll come off the bench plenty and that'll keep him sharp. I think people get too hung up on age. In central midfield, 33 really isn't that old. De Bruyne and Gundogan are both 33, both played 90 minutes at the weekend, and I would expect at least one of them - if not both - to play for Man City v Inter on Wednesday, and then they've Arsenal at the weekend. If Shinnie and Nilsen were 36 going on 37 I'd be more concerned. Shinnie has just turned 33 and Nilsen is actually 32 for a few more weeks. They're not old at all. And they're not playing international football so both are getting plenty rest while playing once a week anyway. Palaversa needs to do a Pape Gueye and go and put in the type of performance that makes him undroppable.

I think when you're only playing one game a week you don't need to rest anybody. Especially if they're on good form - keep that momentum going. If Shinnie is fit I'd play him. Otherwise you go into the Dundee game with him not having played for three weeks. Nilsen is playing brilliantly just now, unless he's looking tired, play him. The only change I'd make would be MacDonald for Rubezic as I still think central defence is our weak point. However, I think unless Rubezic starts to really struggle (which he hasn't) then Thelin will likely stick with him.

There isn't actually loads of bars right next to Pittodrie, so most of the time expect a 20-25 minute walk. Pittodrie bar is relatively close. Gets busy though. Head to the Castlegate and there's a few round there. Just realised you said January, not the game in a few weeks. I dunno how good we'll be in January but on the current form of both clubs we're going to leather them next month.

He's ill.

Made a wee video. If you're into ASMR then you get to listen to my voice as a bonus.

This won't be the line-up because of course Rubezic will start, but I rate MacDonald over him. I'd start Nisbet up front and replace Gueye with Sokler in behind him. Suspect Clarkson will be a second half sub.

Think Spartans more likely to be the game Clarkson starts or Duk gets in the squad. Clarkson might make the bench and get a wee cameo v Motherwell. Think it'll be same again and only debate will be Sokler or Nisbet. Noted we've only made two changes to our starting XI in the league this season which is the lowest in the Premiership. Kilmarnock have made 16.

That's what she said.

Keskinen starts for Finland against England at Wembley. What an opportunity for the lad.

I would suggest a player who was on our radar only a year ago, who is now out of favour at his club, likely remains on our radar. Especially if he might be available in the near future at cut price. So it's one to keep an eye on. We were interested in Kevin Nisbet and Jamie McGrath years before we managed to get them.

Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it. It's like a new signing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c62348nw4yqo Didn't realise Ron Yeats was from Aberdeen.

Interesting video.

I don't think Devlin is performing at a level that makes you think he should be in the Scotland squad. You could argue the same for Ralston, but at least he has far more experience against better opposition than Devlin has had.

Just back from the game. We played okay against an average side, who we've gifted the game to virtue of two daft penalties. I'm neither impressed nor angry at them. Was so many average performances, from McLean, Hanley, Dykes and McGinn. The latter of which we know is capable of so much more. Ralston I thought did okay. But he's not an attacking defender so needs a winger ahead of him, and we only got that when Doak came on.

I'm not usually a fan of these vlogger videos, but this young guy has the highlights and goals on his video and as far as I can see it's the only place (at the time of writing) to see them. Apparently (going by those at the game) Palaversa played well, as did Alfie Stewart. Adam Emslie (on loan from us at Cove) also getting plaudits. However, Gueye, Ambrose and McGarry did not play well. A very small sample of fans though. Nisbet played the last 20 minutes and, as Jute says, scored.

Likewise, I doubt I'd have to trawl too far to find examples of you using the term "old firm". It's just a name, no-one of sane mind should really care about it. They absolutely meant that when they said it. Thing is, you're arguing about stuff here that wasn't even in my original point. Second in Glasgow is NOT second in Scotland. All the arguing about what you think of the BBC's impartiality or who you think will finish second is irrelevant.