Livingstonvs.Aberdeen

While the Lions are trying to escape the relegation zone, the visitors will be focusing on being in the top half of the table when the division splits next weekend.

Match preview

A lot of teams in the division are concentrating on whether they will be in the top or bottom half when the league splits after next weekend, but Livingston have bigger concerns.

The Lions are rock bottom of the league and trail Ross County in the relegation play-off spot by 10 points, while they are 11 away from guaranteed safety.

With time running out, the pressure is certainly mounting on David Martindale, and consecutive 3-0 defeats on either side of the international break will have done nothing to calm any concerns that fans have.

Livingston have managed to win just three games all season to this point while being not only the lowest-scoring team in the league, but also boasting the worst defensive record as well.

Despite that, their previous matches against Aberdeen have proven to be close with a goalless draw and a 2-1 defeat which could provide a glimmer of positivity for the team to clinch on.

The visitors have won three of their last six games in all competitions, as the Dons look to put together a run of positive performances in a bid to finish in the top half of the table.

While that will depend on what the teams above them do, the Dons have the potential to place as much pressure on the likes of Dundee and Hibernian by ensuring that they take as many points as possible from their games.

Peter Leven has steadied the ship since coming in after a difficult period under Neil Warnock, but whether that change was made too late will remain to be seen.

Of course, because of the tough season that the Dons have had, they do still need to keep one eye on the teams below as there is just a six-point gap between them and the relegation zone.

Goals from Bojan Miovski and Jamie McGrath saw Aberdeen defeat Ross County in an important match in the battle for survival during their most recent outing, but creating further breathing room will be key for Leven.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

L

D

L

L

Livingston form (all competitions):

L

L

D

L

L

L

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

L

W

W

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

L

L

W

L

W

W

Team News

Dan MacKay returned to the Livingston squad following his injury for their recent loss against Celtic, and after more time he could now be fit enough to start from the first whistle.

Tete Yengi's three goals in 10 appearances this season have led to him getting more opportunities of late, but Martindale could look to the more experienced Kurtis Guthrie as the pressure mounts.

Angus MacDonald was missing for Aberdeen last time out due to an illness, but he is fine for selection now and could replace Richard Jensen in the starting XI.

Killian Phillips does remain a doubt due to injury, while Nicky Devlin will have to continue playing with a protective face mask.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Brandon, Obileye, Sean Kelly, Montano; Bradley, Carson, Holt, Nouble; Stephen Kelly; Yengi

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, MacDonald, McKenzie; Barron, Shinnie; McGrath, Clarkson, Hoilett; Miovski

We say: Livingston 0-2 Aberdeen

Time is running out for Livingston to try and fight for their safety in the Scottish Premiership, and their poor form this season makes them the underdogs this weekend.

While Aberdeen are not too far away in terms of the league table, the Dons are playing well at the moment and should pick up a win here.

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