Queen of the South vs Aberdeen Predictions

Queen of the South vs Aberdeen predictions ahead of this Scottish League Cup clash. Queen of the South host Aberdeen at Palmerston Park on Saturday for their first group stage game of Scotland’s League Cup. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish League Cup | Jul 13, 2024 at 5:15pm UK at Palmerston Park

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Queen of the South vs Aberdeen Predictions

Will Aberdeen Dominate Queen of the South in Their League Cup Opener?

Queen of the South and Aberdeen are set to face off in their opening match of Scotland’s League Cup group stage at Palmerston Park. This matchup presents an interesting dynamic between a League One side and a Premiership team, each with their own set of challenges and aspirations.

Match Preview

Queen of the South concluded their last season in Scotland’s League One with a disappointing seventh-place finish. They amassed 41 points from 36 games, a significant drop from the 54 points they accumulated in the 2022-23 season. Their offensive struggles were evident as they scored only 46 goals, the third-worst record in the league, but they were relatively solid defensively, conceding 53 goals which ranked them third-best in their division.

Aberdeen, on the other hand, experienced a turbulent Premiership season. They finished ninth in the regular season with 35 points from 33 matches but improved to seventh after leading their relegation playoff group to finish with 48 points. Despite scoring 48 goals and conceding 52, Aberdeen’s inconsistent form and managerial instability marked their campaign.

Team News and Tactical Insights

Queen of the South: Manager Peter Murphy, who took over in May 2024, will look to build on his team’s mixed form at the end of last season. Key departures include top scorer Gavin Reilly and several others, but the club has bolstered its ranks with new signings such as goalkeeper Ross Stewart, midfielders Benjamin Luissint, Brennan Dickenson, and Reece Lyon, as well as forwards Leighton McIntosh, Kai Kennedy, and Josh Walker.

Expected Line-Up: Stewart; Logan, Brydon, McClelland; Gibson, Lyon, Ferguson, Luissint, Dickenson; Kennedy, McIntosh

Aberdeen: New manager Jimmy Thelin, appointed in June, will be keen to start his tenure on a positive note. The Dons have strengthened their squad with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, centre-back Gavin Molloy, and forward Peter Ambrose. However, they will be without Junior Hoilett due to a hamstring injury and Angus MacDonald, who is suspended.

Expected Line-Up: Mitov; Devlin, Molloy, Rubezic, MacKenzie; Polvara, Shinnie; McGrath, Clarkson, Ambrose; Miovski

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield battle between Queen of the South’s Luissint and Lyon against Aberdeen’s Polvara and Shinnie will be crucial. Controlling the midfield could dictate the flow of the game and create opportunities for both sides. Aberdeen’s Miovski will be a key figure in attack, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Queen of the South.

Gameplay Dynamics

Aberdeen are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their technical superiority and higher league experience. Their strategy will likely involve high pressing and quick transitions to unsettle Queen of the South’s defence. Queen of the South, in contrast, may adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces to create scoring chances.

Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses

Queen of the South: Their defensive organisation is a strength, but their offensive output needs improvement. The addition of new forwards could help in this regard. However, the team’s overall lack of depth and experience compared to their Premiership opponents could be a significant disadvantage.

Aberdeen: Aberdeen’s strength lies in their attacking prowess and ability to control the game through possession. The presence of creative midfielders like Clarkson and McGrath provides them with the tools to break down defences. However, their defensive consistency remains a concern, particularly against quick counter-attacks.

Managerial Critique

Jimmy Thelin’s appointment at Aberdeen brings fresh tactical ideas, but the pressure to deliver immediate results is high. His ability to integrate new signings and stabilise the team’s performance will be critical. Conversely, Peter Murphy faces the challenge of improving Queen of the South’s offensive capabilities while maintaining their defensive solidity.

Expected Goals Analysis

Aberdeen’s average of 1.3 goals per game in the Premiership underscores their attacking capabilities, while Queen of the South’s 1.3 goals per game in League One highlights their need for improvement. Defensively, both teams conceded at similar rates, with Aberdeen at 1.4 goals per game and Queen of the South at 1.5, indicating potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Predictions

Best Bet: Aberdeen-2 to Win Considering Aberdeen’s superior quality and depth, they are expected to secure a comfortable victory. Their attacking capabilities and higher league experience should see them overcoming Queen of the South with relative ease.

Correct Score: Queen of the South 1-4 Aberdeen Given Aberdeen’s attacking prowess and Queen of the South’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 4-1 victory for Aberdeen is a plausible outcome. This scoreline reflects Aberdeen’s ability to create and convert chances while acknowledging the possibility of Queen of the South finding the net.

Goalscorer Prediction: Bojan Miovski to Score Miovski, with his goal-scoring record and technical skills, is likely to be a key figure for Aberdeen. His ability to find space and finish chances makes him a strong candidate to score.

First Team to Score: Aberdeen Aberdeen’s stronger lineup and tactical approach should see them taking the lead early in the match. Their pressing game and ability to create chances will likely result in them being the first to score.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Aberdeen Over 7.5 Aberdeen’s attacking setup and the presence of creative players like Clarkson and McGrath indicate they will frequently test the Queen of the South goalkeeper. Predicting over 7.5 shots on target for Aberdeen reflects their offensive potential and game strategy.

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