St Johnstone will be attempting to lift themselves off the foot of the SPL table on Saturday when they travel to the Pittodrie Stadium as the Saints face Aberdeen.
The hosts are looking to bounce back after suffering a defeat during their most recent outing, with the Dons having the potential to drop out of the top six with another loss.
Match preview
© Reuters
Aberdeen had started the year well with a hard-fought draw against the league leaders, which they then followed up with a 3-0 victory in the Scottish Cup, but they could not continue that form in their most recent outing.
The Dons were defeated 1-0 by St Mirren with a second-half goal from Connor Ronan being enough to separate the two teams, which is something that Stephen Glass will want his squad to respond to immediately.
The loss has put their position in the top half of the table in peril, with Dundee United now level on points with them, as only goal difference is keeping the squad in sixth place.
On the flip side, a victory at the weekend could see them move up, as Aberdeen remain just two points behind Hibernian, which will provide some motivation for the squad this weekend.
The Dons have only lost twice in their previous eight matches in all competitions, which is something that has showcased the consistent quality within the group that will need to continue this week.
© Reuters
St Johnstone's run without a victory was extended to 12 games in midweek when they were held to a goalless draw, in what was a crucial six-pointer against their relegation rivals Dundee.
Callum Davidson's team did dominate the possession, but they were unable to convert any of their four shots on goal which continues to be a major problem for the squad.
The Saints have only scored 11 times all season, which is far lower than any other team in the division, and that is a problem they will need to address in order to lift off the foot of the table.
One of those goals did take place earlier in the season when they hosted Aberdeen, as Stevie May scored to get the 1-0 victory; however, the Dons responded to that when they last met, winning by the same scoreline.
Teddy Jenks found the back of the net when the two teams last met in December, with this working as a rubber match between them, and a second victory of the season against the Dons would potentially see St Johnstone leapfrog Dundee, depending on other results.
- W
- W
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
- L
- W
- D
- W
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- D
Team News
© Reuters
Michael Devlin is unavailable for Aberdeen at the moment after undergoing ankle surgery last month, but Calvin Ramsay will still be in the squad, with the club not expected to sell him this month, despite interest.
Niall McGinn recently departed the club, but this fixture could see Vicente Besuijen make his debut after work permits stopped him being ready for the St Mirren fixture.
St Johnstone could be without Nadir Ciftci for the rest of the season after he had to be replaced in midweek as he suffered a hamstring injury, and while the full diagnosis is not yet known, he will not be involved this weekend.
That issue opens the door for Chris Kane to make his way back into the starting lineup, while Davidson could also opt to play May from the first whistle as well, after he was used as a substitute against Dundee.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Ramsay, McCrorie, Bates, Campbell; Brown, Ferguson; Hedges, Jenks, Ojo; Besuijen
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Clark; Cleary, Gordon, McCart; Brown, Davidson, Butterfield, MacPherson, Booth; May, Kane
We say: Aberdeen 2-0 St Johnstone
Even though Aberdeen were defeated in midweek, they will head into this game as the favourites, and they should have enough quality to get themselves back to winning ways.
With St Johnstone struggling to find the back of the net this season, the Dons will likely want to get themselves a clean sheet and three points here.
