Preview: St Mirren vs. Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups

St Mirren will make their return to Scottish Premiership action this weekend when they take on Aberdeen at the SMISA Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts arrive following a prolonged break due to their match against Motherwell being cancelled last weekend, while the visitors pitch up in Paisley off the back of an agonising defeat to Rangers in midweek.

Match preview

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St Mirren have enjoyed a decent 2022-23 campaign so far and sit seventh in the Scottish Premiership standings with 21 points from 15 matches with Stephen Robinson in charge.

The Buddies have the joint-best home record in the division outside of Celtic and Rangers, picking up 18 points from nine matches at the SMISA Stadium.

Last weekend, St Mirren were meant to be in action against Motherwell at Fir Park. However, the match was called off due to extensive flooding and was subsequently postponed.

St Mirren do now have a game or two in hand against all of their divisional rivals, which could come in handy later on in the season when chasing results.

Nevertheless, all attention will turn towards the challenge of Aberdeen now for St Mirren in what is sure to be an intriguing battle between two entertaining teams.

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Jim Goodwin will return to his former club St Mirren this weekend, seeking a reaction from two straight defeats against Celtic and Rangers at Pittodrie.

Frustratingly for the Dons boss, his side was close to gaining results against both sides, conceding winners in the 87th minute to Celtic and in the 97th minute to Rangers in midweek.

Nevertheless, Aberdeen have massively improved under his stewardship in 2022-23 and occupy third in the Scottish Premiership going into this weekend.

Their goal tally has been a particular highlight, as Aberdeen have scored 31 times in the league this campaign, which is the best total in the division outside of Celtic and Rangers.

Moving ahead to Saturday, Goodwin will hope his side can continue to be clinical in front of goal as they aim to strengthen their grip on third position.

Team News

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St Mirren will be without Richard Tait for the Aberdeen match as the defender continues to suffer from a groin strain.

Keanu Baccus could go straight in from the start following his exploits at the World Cup with Australia, while Jonah Ayunga and Curtis Main are expected to lead the line.

Midfielders Baccus and Mark O'Hara risk suspension if they pick up a booking during the match.

For the visitors, Cal Roberts will miss out once again as he continues to battle with a hamstring problem that has ruled him out for most of the season.

Kelle Roos was troubled by an injury in the defeat to Rangers, though he stayed on and is expected to be fit this weekend between the sticks.

Jonny Hayes could replace Hayden Coulson on the left flank as Aberdeen look to get back to winning ways at the SMISA Stadium.

St Mirren possible starting lineup:

Carson; Strain, Fraser, Gallagher, Dunne, Tanser; O'Hara, Kiltie, Erhahon; Main, Ayunga

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; McCrorie, Stewart, Scales; Richardson, Barron, Ramadani, Clarkson, Hayes; Lopes, Miovski

We say: St Mirren 1-2 Aberdeen

In a match with consequences in the battle for Europe, we expect both sides to create plenty of chances in a closely fought encounter in Paisley.

On this occasion, Aberdeen will do enough to seal the three points and strengthen their hold on third heading into Christmas.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.