Aberdeen FC prepare for a key Premiership fixture against St Mirren at Pittodrie on Saturday, needing to translate training-ground confidence into a much-needed home victory. The Dons sit eighth in the standings with eight points from eight games, having scored just two goals in four matches at Pittodrie this season. They have accumulated 8 goal minutes in total, a figure they are desperate to increase.
Stephen Robinson, the Aberdeen manager, said his players believe in their work but must now show that quality on the pitch, especially at home where expectations are high. He stressed the importance of giving them the confidence to step up. Midfielder Brad Lyons echoed that sentiment, telling RedTV after last Sunday's 0-1 loss to St Johnstone that expectation should be high every time they play for the club and they must give the fans what they pay for. The manager will be assessing his options from the full squad and injuries list ahead of the match.
Recent form and league position
Aberdeen's form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and four defeats from their opening eight league fixtures. Their recent results include a heavy 4-0 away win at Motherwell but also that disappointing home loss to St Johnstone last weekend. The team's top scorer this season is Kevin Nisbet with three goals in eight appearances, a tally they will hope he can add to this weekend. The club's detailed stats show the struggle for goals has been a collective issue, with the team creating chances but failing to convert them consistently at home.
Opposition analysis
Visitors St Mirren arrive in poor league form, having lost their last four matches and conceded 14 goals in that run. They sit one place above Aberdeen in seventh with 10 points. However, they have won each of their last two meetings with the Dons, including a 2-0 victory in Paisley last April. St Mirren were also beaten 5-0 away to Hearts in their most recent outing. Aberdeen will view this match as a prime opportunity to reverse that recent head-to-head trend and gain ground in the table.
The match kicks off at Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday, 17 October, as the next fixture in a key period for the Dons. Following this game, the team's schedule continues with a trip to face Rangers at Ibrox on 25 October.
