It’s been a terrific 2014 thus far for Aberdeen and their supporters as they have reached the final of the League Cup final; the quarter finals of the Scottish cup, knocking Celtic out in the process and consolidated second spot after winning their game in hand, also against Celtic. The win in midweek over the runaway league leaders was all that more impressive because it was the Glasgow club’s first league defeat of the season, and also the first time their keeper, Fraser Forster, had conceded in the league since November. It shows how good a job that Derek McInnes has done in his first full season in charge of the club. He’ll be well aware that they have achieved nothing yet, though.
Another manager also in charge for his first season is Tommy Wright who has continued the good work of his former boss, Stevie Lomas. The Perth club do not have the same resources or aspirations as their weekend opponents but that hasn’t stopped them residing in the top six all season and establishing themselves as a very good side, particularly at home. They have won eight of their 14 games at McDiarmid Park and it’s that form which has been the real backbone to their season. Away from home is a different matter entirely as they have struggled for much of the season, winning only two games on their travels. They come into this match on the back of an excellent 3-0 home success over Motherwell which ended a three game losing streak in the league.
The consistency that Aberdeen have found over the last few months has been the real key to their success this season. The Scottish Premiership may not be the highest level of football but it’s extremely competitive which makes Aberdeen’s record even more impressive. They have won nine of their last 13 games in the league which, combined with their imperious cup form, indicates how far they have come in such a short space of time.
There’s no doubt about St Johnstone’s player of the season with striker Stevie May currently on 16 league goals for the campaign. His form has caused him to be mentioned for a call-up to the Scottish national team and if he is able to continue in this vein, it will surely only be a matter of time before he is selected. With six goals in his last eight games, he doesn’t look like he’s going to relent for the last couple of months of the season.
Having seen Aberdeen play several times in the last few months it’s easy to see how they have been successful this season. They are a well organised side with dynamic players going forward who cause all sorts of problems with their directness. St Johnstone have also enjoyed a great season but they look vulnerable away from home and they may well come up short here again.
Aberdeen 3/4 @ William Hill
