Aberdeen – ST Johnstone

Aberdeen host St Johnstone in what promises to be a pivotal Scottish Premiership clash, with the Dons languishing in 10th place on four points from six games (one win, one draw, three defeats and a 2‑7 goal deficit). Johnstone sit comfortably in 7th, having amassed seven points from the same number of fixtures, their record of two victories and a draw offset by three losses and a slightly better 8‑9 goal difference. The gap between the two sides is narrow, and a win for Aberdeen could lift them out of the relegation zone while Johnstone will be eager to close the six‑point gap to the top half. Historically the two clubs have produced tight encounters, so a hard‑fought result is likely as both look to improve their positions before the winter break.