Aberdeen Livingston
Scottish Premiership. Tuesday, December 11, KO 7.45pm.
JUST when Aberdeen looked to have turned the tide they were hit by a St Johnstone juggernaut on Saturday.
The Dons went into the game off the back of a victory with 10 men at Rangers and a Betfred Cup Final loss to Celtic.
They played well enough to hold Celtic to 1-0 at Hampden and their 1-0 success at Ibrox was a classic backs-to-the wall effort.
I didn't tip them against an on-form Saints side but a 2-0 defeat was a surprise – and it wasn't a lucky one with the Perth men far superior on the day.
Games are coming thick and fast for everyone and a visit from workaholics Livingston is probably the last thing the Dons needed although as Greg says in his preview a best price of 4-5 is tempting.
I expect Derek McInnes to make changes to freshen up the side and the fringe men will be tasked with putting on a show at Pittodrie and matching their rivals Duracel standard energy levels. Goals have been a problem for the home men with none of their strikers being prolific and the absence of wideman Gary Mackay-Steven is another blow.
I expect Livi to push them close even if their away form has let them down. They have just five points on the road with most of their points picked up on the plastic at the Tony Macaroni.
Another slight concern is Livi face Hearts at home on Friday so again they'll have to make change tonight or for their third game in seven days.
Gary Holt's men are 4-1 at 888sport while the draw pays 23-10 – and remember Livi sit one point above their opponents in sixth.
Livi have been the surprise of the season and were expected to be relegated after successive promotions under David Hopkin.
His departure pre-season was a blow and Kenny Miller didn't last long in charge but Holt has got results by playing to the club's strengths.
It's as pretty to watch as Harry Redknapp munching on fish eyes in the jungle but like the former West Ham boss it's brought results.
Harry's the King of the Jungle and Holt is the Wizard of West Lothian and it wouldn't surprise me if he fashioned a result tonight – but it's a game that's difficult to call for many reasons.
Livi have just one league win on the road though so backing them to win takes a leap of faith but a draw. Not to lose Livi are 23-20 with 888sport.
Best bets could be Livi +2 but it's short at 2-7 and under 2.5 goals at 4-9 – again a bit skinny.
Recommended Bet
- Livingston +1 (23-20, 888sport)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
