Aberdeen will face Dumbarton in the Scottish League Cup clash on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Pittodrie Stadium.
This match marks the final fixture in Group A, where Aberdeen seeks to maintain their perfect record, while Dumbarton hopes to secure their first win.
Match Preview
Aberdeen’s Form and Expectations
Aberdeen had a challenging 2023/24 season, finishing in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership.
Despite their league struggles, they shone in the Scottish League Cup, reaching the final and narrowly losing to Celtic on penalties.
Under new manager Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen aims to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2013-14.
They’ve had a strong start, winning all three group matches, with a recent narrow 2-1 victory over Airdrieonians.
Dumbarton’s Recent Performance
Dumbarton, promoted to the Scottish Championship after winning the League One playoff final, has struggled in the Scottish League Cup.
They have lost all three matches and sit at the bottom of the group. Despite leading 3-2 against Airdrieonians in their last match, they conceded two late goals, resulting in a 4-3 defeat.
Team News
Aberdeen
Thelin is expected to field a similar lineup to their last match. Key players like Graeme Shinnie and Leighton Clarkson have been instrumental, scoring four goals between them in the group stage.
Aberdeen's probable lineup includes Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, Mackenzie; Nilsen, Clarkson; Morris, McGrath, Shinnie; Sokler.
Dumbarton
Dumbarton's manager, Steve Farrell, may make defensive changes after conceding four goals in their last match.
James Hilton, who scored two quick goals in their previous game, is expected to start.
Possible starting lineup: Long; Lynas, Blair, Clark, Durnan; Miller, Pignatiello; Wallace, Gray, McGuffie; Hilton.
Prediction
Aberdeen is in excellent form, having won all their group matches, while Dumbarton has struggled to secure points.
Given Aberdeen's strong performance and Dumbarton's defensive vulnerabilities, a comfortable victory for Aberdeen is anticipated.