PREVIEW | Saints v Aberdeen
First Team

PREVIEW | Saints v Aberdeen

20th November 2019

Saturday 23 November 2019

We're back in action this weekend after the international break with Aberdeen the visitors to McDiarmid Park this Sunday.

It's the second meeting between the clubs this season after the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie earlier in the season.

This weekend's opponents come into the match on the back of three straight Premiership wins and currently occupy 3rd place in the table, seven points behind Rangers and Celtic.

After the home defeat to Hibs last time out, Saints dropped back down to 11th in the table but a win could see Tommy Wright's men climb back up as high as 8th place.


TEAM NEWS

Matty Kennedy, David Wotherspoon and Ali McCann all returned from international duty unscathed meaning Manager Tommy Wright has pretty much a full squad to choose from.

Liam Gordon stepped up his recovery from long-term injury by returning to training this week but the defender is unlikely to make it in time for Sunday.


PRESS CONFERENCE

The Manager: "We know it's going to be an extremely tough game against Aberdeen on Sunday but we know we're capable of getting a result.

"We did very well up there last time out and could've snatched a win with the way we played in the second half. Defensively we were really good and that gave us a platform to go and play.

"Over the years both teams have had many good battles against each other and I'm expecting the same this weekend. Derek has started to get most of his missing players back fit and I think McKenna coming back in has been a boost for them.

"From our point of view we had a full squad training on Friday with Liam Gordon coming back in and we're hoping to have him back for next weekend against Motherwell.

"We've worked hard to prepare for this game and if we play how I know we can then we can get a result. The game's on TV and we want to go out there and show what we can do."

Drey Wright: "It was good to get the first few wins on the board against Hamilton and Hearts but we need to build on that now.

"The Hibs result was disappointing but we're looking to put it right this weekend.

"From a personal point of view I'm happy to be back out playing and I'm just itching to start scoring goals, getting assists and playing a part in getting the team up the table.

"I'm very confident we're going to start improving in terms of our league position. We've been making some small mistakes that have cost us but the signs have been there that we can cause teams problems.

"It'll be a tough game. Last time out against them we played well and it was a close match. They've got good quality in their side but we know their threats and if we play well and stick to our game plan then we can get the points."


SUPPORTER INFORMATION

You can buy your tickets online right up until kick-off to avoid queuing at the limited cash gates.

Get your tickets online HERE.

McDiarmid Park prides itself in being a fully inclusive stadium and we have a range of benefits to help enhance the matchday experience of disabled supporters.

Click HERE to find out more, including info on our Sensory Packs, equipment for blind or partially sighted supporters, disabled parking and more.

The Muirton will be open from 11AM on Sunday and both sets of supporters are welcome.

As well as our usual bar, there will also be a bottle bar in operation (cash only).

There will be hot and cold food available in the Muirton Suite as well as live football on the box. You can catch Hamilton Accies v Rangers (pre-match) and Sheffield Utd v Man Utd (post-match) in the bar.


MATCH PROGRAMME

You can pick up your Match Programme from our programme sellers in all four stands, from the Saints Shop or from the Muirton Suite before kick-off.

This week's cover star is left-back Scott Tanser and we also take a look back on the night that Saints stars feared for their lives on-board a flight back from Sarajevo after being knocked out of the UEFA Cup in Bosnia.

Match Programmes are priced at £2 each.


HEAD-TO-HEAD

Sunday will be the 162nd meeting between the clubs with the visitors coming out on top with 75 victories to Saints' 38. The fixture has ended all square on 48 occasions.

It's been a case of mixed fortunes for Saints against Aberdeen in recent years with some good results at Pittodrie in particular but you have to go back to April 2016 for Tommy Wright's side's last victory over the Dons at McDiarmid Park.

It finished 3-0 to Saints that day with David Wotherspoon, Steven MacLean and Liam Craig all on the scoresheet.

The last match between the sides ended in disappointment for Saints, with Graeme Shinnie scoring twice in a 0-2 defeat back in February.

Tommy Wright and Derek McInnes are the two longest serving managers in the Ladbrokes Premiership and Sunday will see them come up against eachother for the 26th time in all competitions.

The head-to-head record between the bosses reads 11 victories for Derek McInnes to Tommy Wright's 7, with 8 stalemates including the one back in September.


SAINTS TV

Not making the match? International subscribers can watch the game LIVE on Saints TV! UK/Ireland subscribers will be able to get live commentary of the match.

You can watch exclusive interviews with The Manager and Stevie May from Saturday morning on the channel.


JUNIOR SAINTS

The Junior Saints Pre-Match Club returns this weekend with things kicking-off at 1PM in the Muirton Gym!

Brogan the Beagle will be there along with some of the first-team squad and there will be loads of fun activities to get involved with.

Take part in fun games including mini football, tabletop games, arts & crafts, play Xbox/PlayStation and have a penalty competition against Brogan and the players!

The Pre-Match Club is for members only - to join the Junior Saints Supporters' Club click HERE to download an application form.

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