Preview: Greenock Morton vs Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups

Cappielow Park in Greenock will be the stage for an enticing Scotland League Cup clash on Saturday, as Greenock Morton take on Aberdeen.

Both sides have endured slow starts to their respective league campaigns and will see this fixture as an important opportunity to earn a morale-boosting first win of the season.

Match preview

Morton opened their Scottish Championship season with two consecutive draws, leaving them fifth in the table.

Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle, as they continue to search for their first win of the season.

Manager Dougie Imrie will be urging his players to use the cup as a platform to prove they can compete with Premiership opposition, particularly at home, where they have been strong.

The Ton boast an impressive run of four straight home wins in the League Cup, a record that will give them confidence heading into the tie.

Aberdeen's start to the Premiership campaign has been more challenging as they have suffered two defeats in as many games, putting early pressure on manager Jimmy Thelin.

After their 2-0 loss to Celtic at Pittodrie, Thelin openly acknowledged his side's need to be sharper in possession and more ruthless in front of goal.

Despite their recent struggles, Aberdeen's pedigree in this competition remains evident, as they are unbeaten in six of their last seven League Cup matches.

In terms of overall recent form, Morton appear to be the more consistent of the two sides, having recorded five wins, two draws, and three defeats across their last ten matches in all competitions, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Aberdeen, in the same period, have managed three wins, one draw, and six defeats, with an average of 1.1 goals per match.

Both clubs will be motivated for different reasons, as for Morton they will relish the chance to cause an upset and extend their home dominance in the cup, while Aberdeen will view this match as a much-needed springboard to revive their season.

Greenock Morton Scottish League Cup form:

D D

Greenock Morton form (all competitions):

W W L W D D

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

L L

Team News

For Greenock Morton, striker Tomi Adeloye will be one to keep an eye on, as while he is yet to find the net this season, manager Dougie Imrie will be counting on him to make an impact against the Dons.

The home side have no injury concerns and are expected to stick with their preferred 4-4-2 formation, with Eamonn Brophy set to partner Adeloye in attack once again.

Aberdeen also have a fully fit squad to choose from, although manager Jimmy Thelin may make a few tactical changes for the trip to Cappielow.

The defensive partnership of Alfie Dorrington and Jack Milne is likely to remain intact, providing stability at the back.

Up front, Ester Sokler is tipped to earn a starting place after impressing as a substitute against Celtic, using his pace to stretch the opposition.

In midfield, Adil Aouchiche will once again be tasked with providing the creative spark, looking to unlock Morton's defence with his vision and passing.

Greenock Morton possible starting lineup:

Storer; Ballantyre, Moore, Longridge, Delaney; Wilson, Taylor, Crawford, Blues; Adeloye, Brophy

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Jensen, Milne, Dorrington, Devlin; Shinnie, Nilsen, Milanovic; Aouchiche, Keskinen; Sokler

We say: Greenock Morton 1-2 Aberdeen

The visitors had moments of brilliance against Celtic and will be a bit too much for Morton as they seek to end their early-season slide with their first win.

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