Aberdeen FC face a critical test of their Premiership credentials when they host Falkirk at Pittodrie Stadium on Wednesday night. The Dons, currently ninth in the table with 11 points from 10 games, need a result to stabilise a campaign marked by inconsistency, having recorded three wins and two draws from their ten league matches so far.
Their recent form of two wins, one draw and two losses in the last five league games sums up the challenge. A 3-2 defeat away to Dundee United last time out was a setback, despite goals from Nesta Guinness-Walker and Ronan. That loss followed a 3-1 home victory over St Mirren, which itself came after a disappointing 1-0 home loss to St Johnstone. The team's overall record shows they have scored 12 goals but conceded 13, leaving them with a negative goal difference.
Falkirk arrive in Aberdeen with momentum, sitting seventh after consecutive wins over Hibernian and Kilmarnock. Their 3-0 victory against Kilmarnock last weekend demonstrated the threat they pose, with striker Aidan Keena scoring his fifth goal of the season. Aberdeen's top scorer Kevin Nisbet, with four goals this season, will be central to the home side's hopes of breaking down a confident visiting defence. Midfielder Connor Barron is also available again after serving a one-match suspension.
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Managerial selections will be scrutinised after the weekend's result. Aberdeen last fielded a 4-4-2 formation against Dundee United, with Nisbet leading the line alongside Ayoub Mouloua. Leven must decide whether to recall veteran defender Richard Jensen, who was rested as a precaution on Saturday. Falkirk's recent 4-2-3-1 setup proved effective in their win over Kilmarnock, with McGlynn likely to keep changes to a minimum.
With the standings showing a tight mid-table, a win for Aberdeen could see them climb significantly. The match kicks off at 19:45 on Wednesday 28 October and will be broadcast live on the league's domestic television partner. A victory is important for morale as the Dons find themselves 16 points behind league leaders Celtic.
