St Johnstone vs Aberdeen Predictions

St Johnstone vs Aberdeen predictions ahead of this Scottish Premiership clash. Both aiming to start their league campaigns positively, St Johnstone and Aberdeen will clash at McDiarmid Park in the Scottish Premiership’s opening round. Read on for our free Scottish Premiership predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Aug 5, 2024 at 8pm UK at McDiarmid Park

St Johnstone vs Aberdeen Predictions

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Will Aberdeen Start Strong Against St Johnstone in the Premiership Opener?

As the Scottish Premiership kicks off, St Johnstone and Aberdeen face each other at McDiarmid Park, both eager to start their campaigns on a positive note. Aberdeen, under the new management of Jimmy Thelin, are looking to improve on their disappointing seventh-place finish from last season. Meanwhile, St Johnstone are aiming to avoid another relegation scare after finishing third from bottom last term, escaping the playoff due to superior goal difference.

St Johnstone’s Pre-Season and Transfers

St Johnstone’s pre-season has been a mixed bag, but they have shown promise by topping their Scottish League Cup group with wins over Brechin City, Greenock Morton, and East Fife. The Saints have been active in the transfer market, securing young talents like Lewis Neilson and Mackenzie Kirk from Hearts, aiming to bolster their defence and attack.

Nicky Clark, who was their top scorer last season with seven goals, remains a crucial player despite nearing the twilight of his career. However, Clark’s participation in the opener is doubtful due to injury. The absence of key players such as Uche Ikpeazu and Andre Raymond also poses a challenge for the Saints, making it crucial for their new signings to step up.

Aberdeen's Revival Under Jimmy Thelin

Aberdeen have shown impressive form in the League Cup, winning all four of their group games. This run of form is a positive indicator for Thelin's tenure, as he looks to lead the Dons to a better finish this season. Bojan Miovski, who netted 16 goals last season, remains with the club despite interest from European sides, and his goal-scoring prowess will be vital for Aberdeen.

Junior Hoilett, who was brought in during Neil Warnock's brief stint, continues to be a key player, adding depth and experience to the squad. Despite some injury concerns, including Dante Polvara and Leighton Clarkson, Aberdeen's squad depth and recent performances suggest they are well-prepared for the new season.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Analysis

St Johnstone's Probable Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Sinclair
• Defenders: Wright, Olufunwa, Neilson, Keltjens
• Midfielders: C. Smith, MacPherson, M. Smith, Clark, Carey
• Forward: Sidibeh

St Johnstone will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on solid defensive play and looking to exploit counter-attacks. The midfield battle will be crucial, with MacPherson and M. Smith needing to control the tempo and disrupt Aberdeen's play.

Aberdeen's Probable Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Doohan
• Defenders: Devlin, Jensen, Rubezic, Mackenzie
• Midfielders: Milne, Shinnie, McGrath, Clarkson, Hoilett
• Forward: Sokler

Aberdeen's strategy will revolve around maintaining possession and pressing high up the pitch. The defensive solidity, as evidenced by their League Cup performances, will be crucial, while the creative midfielders like Clarkson and Hoilett will aim to supply Miovski and Sokler with scoring opportunities.

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield will be a critical area where the match could be decided. Aberdeen's Shinnie and McGrath will need to dominate the central areas and disrupt St Johnstone's buildup play. The defensive duels between Aberdeen's Rubezic and St Johnstone's Sidibeh will also be pivotal. On the flanks, Hoilett's battles against St Johnstone's Keltjens will be crucial in determining Aberdeen's ability to create chances from wide positions.

Gameplay Expectations

Given their pre-season form, Aberdeen are likely to control the game with a higher possession percentage and press aggressively. St Johnstone, with their injury concerns and new signings, might adopt a more defensive stance, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces to pose a threat. Aberdeen's defensive resilience, as shown in their recent matches, will be key to their strategy, aiming to keep a clean sheet and exploit any defensive lapses from St Johnstone.

Strengths and Weaknesses

St Johnstone: Strengths:

• Solid defensive setup, especially in set-pieces.
• Experience in crucial positions, such as Nicky Clark up front.
• Potential from young signings to add dynamism.

Weaknesses:

• Over-reliance on ageing players like Clark.
• Injuries to key players could disrupt their game plan.
• Lack of offensive firepower, as indicated by their low goal tally last season.

Aberdeen: Strengths:

• Strong defensive record in recent games.
• Talented and balanced midfield.
• Prolific striker in Bojan Miovski.

Weaknesses:

• Dependence on Miovski for goals.
• Some injuries in midfield could weaken their control.
• Adjusting to a new manager's tactics and philosophy.

Managerial Critique

Jimmy Thelin's appointment has brought a fresh perspective to Aberdeen. His previous success at Jonkoping suggests he has the tactical acumen to lead Aberdeen to a better finish. However, Thelin's lack of experience in Scottish football could be a hindrance, and he will need to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premiership.

St Johnstone's management faces a challenging season. The reliance on ageing players and a lack of depth in certain areas could make it difficult for them to improve significantly on last season's performance. Their manager must find a way to integrate new signings effectively and address their defensive weaknesses.

Predictions and Betting Angles

Best Bet: Aberdeen -1 to Win

Aberdeen's superior form and quality make them favourites to win this match. Their defensive solidity and attacking options give them an edge over St Johnstone, who are dealing with injuries and lack of depth.

Correct Score: Aberdeen 2-0 St Johnstone

Considering Aberdeen's strong defensive record and St Johnstone's struggles in attack, a 2-0 win for Aberdeen seems plausible. Miovski and Sokler are likely to find the net against a weakened St Johnstone defence.

Goalscorer Prediction: Bojan Miovski to Score

Bojan Miovski's goal-scoring prowess makes him a likely candidate to score in this match. His positioning and finishing ability will be crucial for Aberdeen's attacking success.

First Half Result: Aberdeen to Lead

Given Aberdeen's recent form and St Johnstone's defensive issues, Aberdeen are likely to take the lead in the first half. Their high pressing and quick attacking transitions will put pressure on the Saints early on.

Innovative Market: Aberdeen Over 4.5 Shots on Target

Aberdeen's attacking statistics suggest they will have more than 4.5 shots on target. Their midfield creativity and forward options will ensure they test the St Johnstone goalkeeper frequently.

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