Preview: Aberdeen vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

Ross County will make the trip to Pittodrie on Saturday as they face Aberdeen, and both teams will be hoping to find themselves in the top half before the division is cut.

This is the final match before that takes place, and a victory for either team has the possibility of pushing them up, depending on other results.

Match preview

© Reuters

Aberdeen are currently ninth in the Scottish Premiership, but a victory has the potential of taking the club up to fifth place if other results go in their favour.

The squad will need to secure a victory in order to stand any chance of getting into the top half before the division is cut, but they will need a stronger performance than last weekend to make that happen.

The Dons were held to a 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-league Dundee in that match, despite the fact that they had the lead twice.

Danny Mullen scored in the 86th minute to gain a point for the Dark Blues, and that continued the inconsistent results that Aberdeen have been picking up lately.

Jim Goodwin's squad have drawn three times in their previous six outings while losing twice, and only winning one, which has ended this period of the season in a tough manner.

© Reuters

Ross County also shared the points during their most recent encounter, with the match against Hearts finishing 1-1 even though Alex Iacovitti had given his team the lead.

However, the Staggies have secured three victories in their previous six outings, which have helped to put them in contention to finish in the top half this season.

Malky Mackay has transformed the team since taking charge in May, pushing them away from the relegation zone with the potential of competing for a top place in the league.

Away from home the squad have dealt with inconsistency this season, only winning four of their 16 matches so far.

Both of the previous meetings between these two teams have resulted in 1-1 draws this season, but a repeat of that would guarantee both finish in the bottom half.

Team News

© Reuters

Calvin Ramsay had to be substituted in Aberdeen's most recent outing due to a head injury, but Goodwin believes he should be available for this fixture.

Mikey Devlin and Matty Kennedy were both still out of action last weekend, and that is likely to remain the case again as they continue to push back to full fitness.

Josh Sims has been injured since February, and once again he is a fitness concern for the visitors heading into this match.

Mackay will also be without Kayne Ramsay for this one as he continues to serve a suspension for the red card he received against Celtic.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Ramsay, Gallagher, Bates, Hayes; Barron, Besuijen, McCrorie, Ferguson, McLennan; Ramirez

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Randall, Baldwin, Iacovitti, Vokins; Callachan, Tillson; Spittal, Paton, Charles-Cook; White

We say: Aberdeen 1-2 Ross County

Both teams have got a lot to play for in this match before the division splits in half, with each club having the potential to finish in the top half.

However, Ross County's slightly stronger form as of late could prove to be the difference-maker between them, in what will likely be a close encounter.