Two teams aiming to bounce back from recent defeats will clash on Sunday afternoon as Aberdeen host Dundee United at Pittodrie Stadium in the Scottish Premiership.
The hosts were humiliated 5-1 by Celtic in their most recent outing, while the visitors conceded two 90th-minute goals as they dramatically lost 3-1 to Hibernian.
Match preview
© Imago
Aberdeen's 2024-25 season has been one of the most intriguing in the division, as the Dons began the campaign in spectacular fashion before their performance levels and results dramatically dipped.
Jimmy Thelin, appointed in June 2024, avoided defeat in all of his first 16 matches in charge of the club, with 15 wins and one draw, before finally suffering defeat to Celtic, a humiliating 6-0 loss in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.
The Dons initially bounced back with a 4-1 win against Dundee in the league, meaning they remained unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership after 11 fixtures - leaving them joint top of the table with Celtic.
However, Aberdeen embarked on a dismal run of results in the following weeks, failing to win any of the subsequent 12 matches as they suffered eight losses and four draws.
While their form has slightly improved in the past outings, winning four and losing three, the Dons suffered another devastating loss to Celtic last time out, as the Bhoys secured a 5-1 victory.
Now aiming to bounce back from that defeat and avoid another miserable run, Thelin's side will take on fellow top six contenders Dundee United at Pittodrie Stadium.
Dundee Utd are enjoying a superb first campaign back in the top flight after securing promotion from the second tier by lifting the Scottish Championship title last season.
The Tangerines are fifth in the standings with 40 points from 28 games, after 11 wins, seven draws and 10 defeats, leaving them one point behind Sunday's opponents and six above seventh-placed St Mirren.
While they are fantastically placed inside the top six, their recent form has been troubling, with Jim Goodwin's men managing just two wins from their last nine games, with seven defeats during that period.
They did end a disappointing four-game losing run by defeating Motherwell 1-0 a week ago, but they fell back to defeat in their last match, conceding two 90th-minute goals as they heartbreakingly lost 3-1 to Hibernian.
The Tangerines will be looking to rebound from that victory and further strengthen their place in the top six, but recent history suggests they will be underdogs against the Dons, as Dundee Utd have failed to win in their last seven league visits to Pittodrie Stadium.
Team News
![Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/jim-goodwin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
Aberdeen will be without the services of Dante Polvara, Ester Sokler, Gavin Molloy, Jack Milne, Jamie McGrath and Vicente Besuijen due to ongoing injury problems.
Kristers Tobers is also a doubt for the hosts after coming off with a suspected injury in the defeat to Celtic, meaning Alfie Dorrington may partner Mats Knoester in central defence.
Dundee United may have to contend without Will Ferry, after midfielder was taken off late in the defeat to Hibernian, meaning David Babunski may start here.
Elsewhere, top scorer Sam Dalby is expected to keep his place in attack, potentially partnering Jort van der Sande in a striker partnership.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Doohan; Jensen, Dorrington, Knoester, Mackenzie; Shinnie, Clarkson; Keskinen, Nisbet, Okkels, Dabbagh
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Graham; Strain, Stephenson, Sevelj, Campbell, Babunski; Dalby, Van der Sande
We say: Aberdeen 2-1 Dundee United
Both teams have faced difficulties in their recent fixtures, but the hosts have dominated this fixture in recent meetings, leading us to expect a home victory on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
