Weekend Premiership Fixture: Aberdeen v St Johnstone

As Celtic establishes a significant lead in the Premiership, focus shifts to the teams vying for the subsequent positions in the league table. Aberdeen’s recent performance has faltered, enabling Rangers to narrow the points difference. The current margin stands at four points, with the Ibrox side holding an outstanding fixture. Jimmy Thelin commenced his tenure as Dons manager with an exceptionally strong start, maintaining an undefeated record until November. Following their substantial defeat by Celtic in the League Cup semi-final, Aberdeen secured a decisive home victory against Dundee. However, in subsequent league fixtures, the team has recorded two losses and two draws. The question arises regarding the Swedish manager’s potential response. It is anticipated he will maintain his composed demeanor. Despite a resilient performance in the 1-0 midweek defeat to the league leaders, which followed hard-fought draws against both Edinburgh clubs on their home grounds, there is no indication of discouragement. Thelin’s initial Premiership match resulted in a 2-1 victory against St Johnstone. Supporters at Pittodrie are likely to anticipate a similar outcome, given that the Dons had achieved seven consecutive home wins before a narrow defeat to Celtic. Nevertheless, St Johnstone secured four points from two of their three away fixtures in the north east during the previous season. Furthermore, they have not experienced consecutive league defeats away to Aberdeen since March 2018.