ABERDEEN'S revival in the SPFL Premiership faces a stiff test at Rugby Park as they take on a Kilmarnock side that's expertly drilled by former Dons boss Derek McInnes.
The Reds come into this game off the back of a draining Conference League clash with PAOK on Thursday night and Rugby Park is one of the last places you want to be heading after such a tough match.
After a terrible start to the season, Barry Robson's men have collected seven points from their last three Premiership games to storm up the table. They won 3-1 at Ibrox on their last away day and picking up another three points in Ayrshire would be a massive result.
Kilmarnock's season has been almost the polar opposite of Aberdeen's as they flew out of the traps before stumbling in a run that saw them go seven games without a win.
But that ended last weekend with a 3-1 home win over Livingston as an 11/2 scorer bet landed for me with Danny Armstrong grabbing the opener.
Killie's strong home form was the reason they stayed in the Premiership last season and it has been a fortress again with Celtic and Rangers both slipping up on Rugby Park's plastic pitch so far this season.
McInnes will be looking to make sure Kilmarnock push for the top six instead of battling the drop this term and beating his old club could send them up to fourth place.
How the bookies view it
This is a tough one to call and it's reflected in the odds, with Kilmarnock 8/5 at SkyBet and Aberdeen 19/10 with Ladbrokes. I wouldn't be surprised if this one ended level and that pays 23/10 at StarSports.
Recent head to head
Aberdeen have been a bogey team for Kilmarnock who have only managed one win in the last 14 meetings. But that victory did come on the Dons' last visit as goals from Scott Robinson and Joe Wright sealed a 2-1 victory. The other two meetings last term both ended in Pittodrie victories for Aberdeen.
Players to watch
Kyle Vassell scored a double for Kilmarnock last weekend and is the focal point of their attack. His physical presence could upset Aberdeen's defence and the Englishman is a decent 5/2 at BetVictor for anytime scorer.
Bojan Miovski has been the one player scoring consistently this season for Aberdeen with strike partner Duk failing to produce last season's magic so far. Striker Miovski is 9/4 at Bet365 to add to his tally at Rugby Park.
Anything else catch the eye?
This has the makings of a tight game so I like the half-time draw at 21/20 with Bet365 while McBookie price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 5/4.
Backing corners is usually a good option at Rugby Park as Killie are strong from set-pieces and play with width. Over 10.5 corners pays 5/4 at SkyBet and over five first-half corners is priced 13/10 at Bet365.
We only saw nine cards across the three meetings last season so there could be some value in betting against both sides picking up two or more cards. That bet pays 6/5 at Bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Aberdeen will be played on Oct 29, 2023 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
