Aberdeen to Extend Winning Run Against Struggling Kilmarnock
Aberdeen will be looking to continue their impressive start to the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season when they host Kilmarnock at Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon. The Dons have won both of their opening fixtures, while the visitors are still searching for their first points of the campaign after two heavy defeats.
Aberdeen endured a disappointing 2023-24 season, finishing ninth in the pre-split standings. However, under the interim management of Peter Leven, they showed significant improvement in the final matches, losing just one of their last 10 league games. The appointment of Jimmy Thelin as manager ahead of the new season has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the club, and the results speak for themselves. Since Thelin's arrival, Aberdeen have won all eight of their matches across all competitions, placing them second in the Scottish Premiership table.
Kilmarnock, on the other hand, had a remarkable 2023-24 season, finishing fourth after a strong campaign. However, their form took a downturn in the post-split fixtures, and they have struggled to find their rhythm this season. Under the guidance of Derek McInnes, the Ayrshire side have only won one of their first eight outings this year, leaving them in a precarious position heading into this game. Their most recent performance saw them suffer a 2-0 defeat to Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff round tie, leaving their European hopes hanging by a thread.
Aberdeen will be without Dante Polvara due to a hamstring injury and Leighton Clarkson, who is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder. However, Jamie McGrath is expected to start in attack after scoring and assisting in both of Aberdeen's opening league fixtures. Bojan Miovski's departure to Girona leaves Ester Sokler likely to lead the line for the hosts.
Kilmarnock will be without Kyle Magennis, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, and Joe Wright, who is suspended for the match. Lewis Mayo is expected to partner Robbie Deas in central defence.
Aberdeen are strong favourites to win this match, given their recent form and Kilmarnock's struggles. The Dons have been a formidable force in attack, while Kilmarnock have been defensively vulnerable. A comfortable victory for Aberdeen is the most likely outcome, with the hosts likely to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Possible starting lineups:
Aberdeen: Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, Mackenzie; Nilsen, Shinnie; Morris, Gueye, McGrath; Sokler
Kilmarnock: McCrorie; Burroughs, Wright, Mayo, Findlay; Lyons, Donnelly, Watson; Kennedy, Vassell, Watkins
We predict: Aberdeen 2-0 Kilmarnock
