Aberdeen are set to take on Scottish League One side Dumbarton at Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday in the final matchday in Group A of the Scottish League Cup.
The hosts are currently top of the group with three wins from three, while the visitors are at the foot of the table and have yet to win a match.
Match preview
Aberdeen suffered a rather disappointing 2023/24 campaign as they finished in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership table with just 35 points from 33 matches, just the second time they have finished in the bottom half in the last 11 years.
However, they were significantly improved in the post-split matches, winning four and drawing one to eventually finish at the top of the relegation round table.
Despite their difficulties in the league, Aberdeen were at their best in the Scottish League Cup as they made it all the way to the final where Celtic eventually beat them on penalties after a 3-3 draw in 120 minutes.
New boss Jimmy Thelin, who was brought in ahead of the new campaign, will be hoping he can take his side one step further this season and lift the trophy for the first time since 2013-14.
The Dons have had a strong start in their hunt for the trophy, winning all three group matches to lead Group A, although their most recent victory was only a narrow 2-1 win over Airdrieonians.
In stark contrast, Dumbarton enjoyed a successful season, achieving promotion into the Scottish Championship after winning the League One playoff final 4-3 on aggregate against The Spartans FC.
Dumbarton's preparations ahead of their first Championship season since 2017-18 have been far from ideal though, losing all three of their Scottish League Cup matches so far, leaving them bottom of the group with just one point.
In their last outing against Airdrieonians, Dumbarton looked poised to take their first three points of the group as they led 3-2 going into the final 10 minutes, but conceding two goals in the 84th and 88th minutes meant their search for a victory continues.
These two sides have matched up on several occasions in recent years, and Aberdeen have dominated the fixture by winning all four meetings since 2014 across all competitions.
Team News
Thelin made several changes from the team that secured a commanding victory against East Kilbride for their match against Airdrieonians, but a similar lineup is anticipated for this encounter.
Graeme Shinnie and Leighton Clarkson have been key figures in their three group games so far, scoring four goals between them, and both are expected to start here.
Despite falling to defeat in their last game, Dumbarton's James Hilton produced an impressive performance with two quick-fire goals early in the second half, and the striker is expected to play from the start in this one.
A disappointing defensive showing in that defeat, conceding four times, might prompt Steve Farrell to change the backline for this game with Aron Lynas and Ryan Blair potentially in line for a start.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, Mackenzie; Nilsen, Clarkson; Morris, McGrath, Shinnie; Sokler
Dumbarton possible starting lineup:
Long; Lynas, Blair, Clark, Durnan; Miller, Pignatiello; Wallace, Gray, McGuffie; Hilton
We say: Aberdeen 4-1 Dumbarton
Aberdeen are enjoying a good run of results heading into this game, while the visitors have been defeated in all three group matches so far, and we believe the hosts will record a comfortable victory here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
