JOINT-LEADERS Aberdeen return to Premiership action on Saturday with a trip to Paisley to meet St Mirren….and its one of their least favourite away days.
Jimmy Thelin has collected a quite astonishing 31 points out of 33 this season, with the only two points dropped at Celtic and they are neck-and-neck with the champions at the top of the table and nine points clear of Rangers.
But the Dons are about to be seriously tested with a really tough run of fixtures which includes three away games at St Mirren, Hibs and Hearts before a showdown against Celtic at Pittodrie.
However, under Thelin, they have found a way to succeed in almost every game…with the glaring exception being that 6-0 hammering at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
They face a St Mirren side who have had a turbulent season off the park with a remarkable three players leaving the club due to unrelated legal cases.
Manager Stephen Robinson has steered them through that and a sluggish start to the season and they seem to be returning to last season's form after two wins and a draw in their last three games, including a win at Hibs.
How the bookies view it: Dons edge it
Aberdeen are favourites here at 27/20 with Unibet. Saints can be backed at 21/10 with Betfred. The draw is 5/2 with Ladbrokes.
Recent head to heads: Saints dominant in Paisley
Aberdeen have a dreadful recent record in Paisley – they have failed to win in their last seven visits and nine in the league, which includes losing two injury time goals last season in a 2-1 defeat.
However, the Dons did cruise to a fairly comfortable 3-1 win at Pittodrie in August.
Players to watch: Conor the call
Conor McMenamin has had a hard time of it with injury but he seems to be fully recovered now as he proved by netting a double at Easter Road in his last game. The Irish striker is a big price at 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Kevin Nisbet could be restored as a starter after a slight knock and he's found his form again after four goals in eight games with only five of them as a starter. He is 23/10 to score anytime with Betfred.
Predicted line-ups
Charles Dunne has been ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury and Alex Iacovitti is also sidelined.
Aberdeen are hoping to welcome back ex-St Mirren playmaker Jamie McGrath and have a full squad to pick from with the exception of long-term injury victim Papa Gueye.
St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Tanser, Phililips, O'Hara, Kiltie, McMenamin, Olusanya.
Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Mackenzie, Molloy, Rubezic, Shinnie, Palaversa, Duk, McGrath, Keskinen, Nisbet.
Anything else catch the eye
Aberdeen have risen to almost every challenge so far and their squad depth means they look a strong shout to beat an improving St Mirren side who have not quite reached the heights of last season.
Thelin is able to call upon an impressive bench these days and his use of subs have been a major reason why the Dons have managed to completely change games that were getting away from them and get the win.
Six of Aberdeen's last seven Premiership games have seen goals at both ends and St Mirren's last four games have gone BTTS in three of them. Ladbrokes's 3/4 looks a solid shout.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Aberdeen will be played on Nov 23, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best St Mirren vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
