This weekend's game at Celtic Park is something of a damp squib as Aberdeen have next to no chance of overhauling Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
The gap between the two sides is nine points and, despite three games being left to play, the goal difference between the two sides means Celtic have effectively sealed their fifth league title in a row.
'Norweegie' Deila, who will leave Celtic at the end of the season, insists that the Dons deserve praise for pushing the Glasgow giants all the way despite the financial disparity between the clubs.
He said: "Hopefully there will be a lot of people in the stadium and it will be a game between the two best teams in Scotland.
"You want to win the league by as many points as you can but you have to credit Aberdeen as well.
"They have had a very good season, have been very consistent and pushed a lot. It should be a good football game."
Deila insists Aberdeen could eventually be rewarded for their progress in recent years if they hold on to manager Derek McInnes and build on the environment he has created at Pittodrie, while he also expects Hearts to improve.
“Everything is possible in football,” said Deila. “Of course money is important, you can buy yourself things easier, but when you get the right culture at your club, then everything is possible and you have consistency over time.
“Aberdeen have done that very well with their manager, Hearts are starting to get some consistency and they will get better. Celtic have a lot of consistency, too, but it’s not just about going out and expecting to win as the biggest club. Leicester have shown that in England this year.
“I won with a small club in Norway. It is possible. But it took us six years to do it at Stromsgodset. You learn every year. If you keep consistency with your coach and players, then everything is possible.
“I think it’s going to be close next season. Aberdeen, if they can keep their consistency, will be even better. If they can get more experience and maybe get another couple of players as well. They are doing positive things.
Source: Inside Futbol and The Scotsman