Aberdeen’s Current Form Dip: Is a Hectic Schedule the Cause?

Aberdeen is currently experiencing a difficult period. Their performance against St Johnstone at Pittodrie on Saturday appeared fatigued, and the upcoming two-week break before their next fixture is likely advantageous, offering manager Jimmy Thelin an opportunity to re-evaluate. The team’s current total of 34 points after 16 matches represents a 15-point increase compared to their standing under Barry Robson in December of the previous year. This points tally would have been met with satisfaction by all club stakeholders if presented at the beginning of the season. The recent decline in performance might correlate with the team’s schedule of playing two matches per week. During their successful run in the autumn, the Dons primarily competed on weekends. Their initial midweek league fixture resulted in a victory over Rangers, preceding a significant defeat by Celtic at Hampden a few days later. Following the November international break, their schedule has included matches on Saturday, Tuesday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday, from which they have accumulated only three points out of a potential 15. This period has led to a gap of over ten points separating them from Celtic at the league’s summit, while Rangers have narrowed the distance to within two points of Aberdeen’s second position, holding a game in hand scheduled against Dundee in January. Nevertheless, the situation is not entirely bleak for the Dons. A championship challenge was consistently considered highly improbable, and securing second place might prove unattainable, especially with Rangers’ improved form preceding the festive match schedule. However, this outcome should not be interpreted as a failure, considering the financial differences between Aberdeen and their two Glasgow competitors. The Dons would have considered third place acceptable prior to the season’s commencement, and it could potentially offer greater advantages depending on the winner of the Scottish Cup. This is because second place does not guarantee league phase European football for the next season, whereas third place is, once again, likely to do so. Anticipation surrounds Thelin’s strategies for the upcoming series of matches and his activity in the transfer market next month, as he aims to revitalize Aberdeen’s season, commencing with a home fixture against Hibernian on the Saturday of the following week. Sandi Toksvig is joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi and Alan Davies Grab the mic for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry and more… Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are back for the festivities at Longleat Safari Park From micro plastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the extent of food waste at this time of year © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.