Aberdeen play host to Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon looking for the win which may guarantee a top-six spot ahead of the Scottish Premiership cut-off.
At a time when the Dons sit in fourth position in the standings, Kilmarnock are down in 10th spot, four points above the bottom two.
Match preview
© Reuters
Come the middle of February, it appeared that Aberdeen would have to over-perform to a high level in order to salvage any hopes of challenging for European qualification this season.
Instead, they can arguably be deemed to be the favourites with Barry Robson's side winning their last four fixtures in the top flight.
Last time out, they edged out St Johnstone by a 1-0 scoreline, backing up victories over Livingston, Dundee United and Hearts respectively.
At one point, the Dons would had been delighted with fourth place, yet the recent demise of Hearts has thrown up the possibility of snatching third, and effectively guaranteeing group-stage football on the continent.
With Rangers to follow before the end of the month, Aberdeen will not be getting carried away, but they have every reason to be confident ahead of this fixture.
From Kilmarnock's perspective, they continue to battle for survival, it taking four points from two matches to move that many points above the relegation zone.
Derek McInnes will be relieved that his side have found some form ahead of the visit to his former club, although he will publicly insist that he is focused on his own team.
The 2-1 triumph over Hearts on April 1 was all the more impressive due to having to playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men, Kilmarnock having already come from behind to establish a lead.
McInnes's outfit also extended their unbeaten home streak to four fixtures, but they are remarkably yet to win a single away league game on their travels in 2022-23, losing 13 of 15 matches.
Team News
© Reuters
Aberdeen will be forced to make a change in midfield with Graeme Shinnie serving a one-match ban for collecting two yellow cards at St Johnstone.
Although Robson has options at his disposal, the experienced Matthew Kennedy could get the nod, and it may prove to be the solitary change.
Kilmarnock are also dealing with suspension issues with Rory McKenzie another midfielder who was sent off for two bookings last time out.
Alan Power looks the obvious alternative in the centre of the pitch, but Brad Lyons is also in contention for his third league start of the season.
Barring any fitness issues, McInnes may stick with the remainder of the team which got the better of Hearts.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Roos; Pollock, MacDonald, Scales; McCrorie, Ramadani, Clarkson, Kennedy, Hayes; Duk, Miovski
Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Walker; Mayo, Wright, Dorsett; Armstrong, Watson, Donnelly, Power, Jones; Vassell, Doidge
We say: Aberdeen 2-1 Kilmarnock
With both sides having enjoyed different levels of revivals in recent matches, this could prove to be a competitive encounter. However, Aberdeen are the justified favourites, and we feel that they should do enough to edge a closely-fought contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
