ABERDEEN will look to build on their impressive League Cup showing as they travel to Perth to take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in both side's Scottish Premiership opener.
Jimmy Thelin has made a positive start to his reign as Aberdeen boss, as he’s seen his new side cruise through their League Cup Group.
The Dons won all four of their group-stage matches, scoring 17 goals in the process and conceding just once against nearest challengers Airdrieonians.
Aberdeen fans will be demanding a far better league campaign this season, as they could only finish in the bottom half of the table last season.
St Johnstone sealed their passage into the knockout stages of the League Cup with a 5-1 victory over League Two side East Fife last weekend.
Prior to that, The Saints had begun the group stage with victories away at Brechin and at home to Greenock Morton but then went on to fall to a 3-2 defeat away at third-tier Alloa Athletic.
Craig Levein’s men only finished outside the relegation playoff spot on goal difference last season, and many of The Saints faithful will be worried about their chances of survival this term.
How the bookies view it: Value in the Dons?
Aberdeen are slight favourites for this match, with Bet365 offering a chunky 11/8 for The Dons to Claim all three points. Bet365 are also offering 21/10 on a home win, whilst it’s 12/5 at William Hill for the draw.
Head to head: Drab Affairs Last Term
Both sides grabbed a victory in this fixture last term, with the other two finishing in draws. There wasn’t plenty of goal-mouth action, with just five goals scored across those contests.
Players to watch: Benji to Bag Again?
The Saints Swedish Striker Benjamin Kimpioka has been in sensational form in the group stages of the League Cup, slamming in five goals across his previous three appearances.
Ester Sokler has been leading the line for The Dons in the group stages of the League Cup and already has four goals to his name.
Probable line-ups
St Johnstone bounced back from that shock defeat at Alloa by thrashing East Fife 5-1 last time out, and manager Craig Levein will be expected to go with a similar starting 11.
The Dons will travel to Perth without Dante Polvara, Leighton Clarkson and Angus MacDonald through injury, with the latter also suspended.
St Johnstone: Rae, Keltjens, McClelland, Cameron, Ratmond, Wright, MacPherson, Smith, Carey, Sidibeh, Kimpioka
Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Rubežic, Molloy, MacKenzie, Helte-Nilsen, Shinnie, Morris, McGrath, Guèye, Sokler
Anything else catch the eye?”
Both of these sides did indeed top their League Cup group, but The Dons were far more convincing, winning all four of their matches.
St Johnstone are expected to be fighting relegation this season, and an in-form Aberdeen side should prove too strong for them at an appealing 11/8 at Bet365.
Jimmy Thelin’s men slammed in 17 goals across their four League Cup victories – striking on multiple occasions in each of them – and are appealing at 13/10 at William Hill to bag another double.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Johnstone and Aberdeen will be played on Aug 5, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best St Johnstone vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
