Derek McInnes and his side this weekend travel down to Glasgow to take on a Partick Thistle side who the Dons have enjoyed much success over this season. However previous games will be nothing to go by despite Aberdeen coming into the game on an extremely impressive run. A Rooney penalty in the last ten minutes in Paisley last week showed that the Dons need to be on their game at all times and with the Steelmen still hot on our heels, picking up maximum points is a necessity.
The Dons' last trip to Firhill was in the fourth round of the Scottish cup where Aberdeen prevailed by a goal to nil and previous results between the two sides such as the four goal hammering at Pittodrie suggests that there is a large gulf between the two sides. Decide what you will on that but McInnes will be aware that Thistle will be a threat especially since bolstering their squad and bringing in Lyle Taylor in January a potential threat for the Aberdeen back line. Reynolds and Anderson will have to keep that man quiet if they want to come out of the game with a clean sheet and the points as he by himself is a game changer. Taking chances will be where the game is won and lost on Saturday and both teams are equipped in those departments, the Dons more so with the likes of Rooney, Pawlett, McGinn and Hayes who can all get in on the act getting on the score sheet.
After missing out last week through minor knocks Barry Robson and Jonny Hayes are expected to return while Ryan Jack remains out but is making good progress in terms of returning to the squad. Confidence will be brimming throughout the whole of the Dons team as in the last three weeks they have reached a League Cup final for the first time in 14 years convincingly brushing aside St Johnstone, they then surpassed Celtic in the Scottish Cup and wrapped up another three points in the league away to St Mirren which is always tough venue. All seems well in the granite city but as ever dedicated McInnes will be focused on the next game and that game only. Aberdeen have not lost an away match since going down to Celtic 3-1 in November even then the Hoops scored twice in the last minutes to take all three points. The road is proving to be a joyful place for the Dons at the moment. Long may that continue!
On the other hand you have Thistle who have still yet to record a home win in the league this season. So far they have gone 15 games without a in and if that continues come Saturday Thistle will break a club record. Manager Archibald may be without Muirhead after he picked up a knock while long term absentees Osbourne and Welsh will be missing once again.
Prediction: Partick Thistle 0-2 Aberdeen
Partick Thistle v Aberdeen
Sat 22nd February 2014
Firhill Stadium
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