Aberdeen were many people’s favourites to finish second last season, just falling short on the last day, losing to Motherwell. It’s a similar case again this time around as they were even more fancied to take the runner’s up spot, with some even suggesting they had what it takes to challenge Celtic for the title. A heavy opening weekend defeat at home to Dundee United was not the start they had anticipated but they have recovered from that loss and are currently on a run of three wins from their last four games in all competitions. They’ve also won their last three home games without conceding a goal so they are in decent form ahead of the visit of their northern rivals, Inverness, who are joint top coming into this game.
Caley Thistle have surprised many with their start to the season, winning five and losing only one of their first seven games in the Scottish Premiership. John Hughes had a sticky first few months in charge at the club after taking over from Terry Butcher but the signs are there that the has instilled his own philosophy and got his side playing in a way which he wants. He has clearly made them hard to beat and one of the reasons for that is their defensive record. Inverness currently have the meanest defence in the league, conceding just four thus far. Despite the improvement at the back, their attacking play has not suffered as they scored in all but one of their league games, managing at least one goal in every away game.
One of the reasons why Aberdeen missed out on second place last season was their lack of goals. They scored 11 less than eventual runners up, Motherwell and 12 less than Dundee United who finished below them. It’s been a similar story at the start of this season as they have managed only eight goals from their six league games. Derek McInnes will be encouraged by the fact they have scored nine in their last three home games, including four in their League Cup win over Livingston in midweek.
It’s unrealistic to think that Inverness have the capability to challenge for the title, and possibly even second place. They will be looking to match their performance of last season when they finished fifth and possibly attempt to achieve their best finish when they were third in 2012/13. They will go into this match with great belief after beating Celtic earlier in the season, when they were worthy winners.
Although this is not a traditional derby (Ross County being Inverness’ biggest rivals) there is usually an extra intensity in the fixture because they are the two biggest clubs in the north of Scotland. That was evident when the two met in the final of the League Cup back in March when Aberdeen ran out eventual winners on penalties after a 0-0 draw. It was a similar result the last time the two met in the league and I expect it to be another tight one again with both defences playing well of late. Aberdeen may just be coming into a decent bit of form and backed by a very vocal home support, can make it four wins in a row at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen 5/4 @ William Hill
