ABERDEEN will arguably face their biggest test all season when they make the short journey south to face Dundee on Saturday as they put their 11-game winning streak on the line.
The Dons were thoroughly professional last weekend in the Premier Sports Cup quarter final romp against Spartans at Pittodrie and cruised through in a 4-0 win.
That extended new manager Jimmy Thelin's outstanding start to 11 games, but Dundee are probably the best team they will have faced so far this season.
Dundee were goal machines at the start of the season and never failed to score at least two goals in their opening nine games of the season.
But you can't help thinking the wheels have come off somewhat after selling captain Luke McCowan to Celtic.
They have failed to win in their last four games and a surprise defeat in Dingwall to Ross County seems to have really jolted them.
Last week, they offered little resistance to Rangers on their return to Irox and crashed to a 3-0 defeat in Glasgow in the quarter-finals.
And Tony Docherty will be desperate to get his men back on track for the visit of in-form Aberdeen.
How the bookies view it: Dons edge favouritism
Aberdeen are favourites here at 6/4 with William Hill while the Dee can be backed at 19/10 with the same firm. The draw is 13/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads: Tight battles usually the norm
There were two draws and a 1-0 win for Dundee in the three meetings last season with just three goals scored in three games.
Aberdeen have failed to win in their last three visits to Dens Park.
Players to watch: Papa on a hot streak
New Dundee skipper Simon Murray will no doubt be disappointed with his return of just one goals in his five league matches so far. He is 11/4 to score anytime with bet365.
Pape Gueye netted his sixth goal in six games for Aberdeen at the weekend and he is a man reborn after seemingly having no future at the club under previous boss Barry Robson. He still seems to be under the radar though at 3/1 to score with UniBet.
Predicted line-ups
Dundee are still missing defender Joe Shaughnessy but could hand a debut to new signing Scott Fraser.
Aberdeen have a clean bill of health with only American midfielder Dante Polvara missing.
Dundee: McCracken, McGhee, Portales, Koumetio, Braybrooke, Sylla, Tiffoney, Cameron, Larkeche, Adewumi, Murray.
Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, MacKenzie, Palaversa, Ketlne Nilsen, Shinnie, Gueye, McGrath, Nisbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Dundee have lost form recently and Aberdeen should be able to continue on their merry winning ways by collecting another three points in Tayside.
Thelin has not only managed to make his team tick, he is now able to call on game-changing options from the bench with the likes of Topi Keskinen, Shayden Morris and Ester Sokler able to make a real contribution.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen is already looking like one of the signings of the season and he loves a tackle which has brought him to the attraction of Scottish refs.
He's picked up four yellow cards already this season and in what should be a feisty encounter, he looks a great shout at a big 15/4 with bet365 to collect another card.
The recent history of this fixture has suggested there might not be too many goals here and under 2.5 goals is favourite. However, these are new line-ups with firepower and there could be some value in going for overs at bet365's 11/10.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee and Aberdeen will be played on Sep 28, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
