Aberdeen will be looking to avoid four consecutive defeats in the Scottish Premiership when they travel to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.
A 3-1 loss at St Mirren on Christmas Eve for Aberdeen dampened the festive mood among supporters, whereas Kilmarnock fans will be hoping their side can go one step further than when they drew 2-2 to Motherwell in their last game.
Match preview
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Kilmarnock showed character and fight to battle back from two goals down to force a share of the spoils with Motherwell at Fir Park on Christmas Eve.
A Paul McGinn own goal followed by a second-half strike from Liam Polworth secured a point for the visitors on Saturday, a result which moved Derek McInnes's side up into 10th in the league standings.
Killie have not tasted victory since returning from the World Cup break, and their long-term form is concerning, having won just once in their last six Scottish Premiership matches ahead of this midweek clash with Aberdeen.
McInnnes's men have been woeful on their travels so far this campaign having collected just two points from 10 matches, but their record at Wednesday night's venue is impressive, with Kilmarnock winning half of their home games.
Striker Danny Armstrong is adapting well to life in his first season in Scotland's top flight, with the 25-year-old registering eight goal contributions so far after scoring just once in the Scottish Championship last campaign.
Aberdeen dominated possession at The SMISA Stadium against St Mirren on Christmas Eve but were on the wrong side of key moments as they ended up losing 3-1.
That result means Jim Goodwin's side have now lost four of their last five in the Scottish Premiership, and although they still sit third in the table, eighth-placed Livingston are just two points behind them.
Already a mammoth 17 points behind Rangers as the season continues its festive schedule, any hopes of breaking into that elusive top two have vanished, and the aim now will be to earn the title as the third-best team in Scotland.
If Aberdeen are to earn three points at Rugby Park on Wednesday they will need to improve on their defensive record away from home, having conceded 20 goals in just nine outings so far this campaign, more than any other team in the league.
Team News
Kilmarnock will be without midfielder Alan Power on Wednesday after the 34-year-old received a red card in the draw at Motherwell, with Blair Alston a possible replacement in the starting XI.
Polworth scored off the bench last time out and will expect to take the place of youngster Bobby Wales in the starting lineup here, a change that could see a switch in formation for the hosts.
Aberdeen will have to do without the services of defender Anthony Stewart, who was sent off during the disappointing defeat at St Mirren, meaning left-back Jack MacKenzie may enter the team from the start at Rugby Park.
Callum Roberts is among the long-term absentees for Goodwin's side, with the 25-year-old not featuring for the club since a hamstring injury picked up in the game against St Mirren back in August.
Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Walker; Mayo, Taylor, Wright, Chrisene; Armstrong, Alston, Donnelly, Polworth, Jones; Doidge
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Roos; McCrorie, Scales, MacKenzie; Kennedy, Barron, Ramadani, Clarkson, Coulson; Miovski, Duk
We say: Kilmarnock 1-2 Aberdeen
Kilmarnock have resumed their league campaign in respectable fashion but need to start recording wins to move away from the bottom of the league standings.
Aberdeen are struggling for form but should be able to collect all three points at Rugby Park to ensure they finish 2022 in third position in the Scottish Premiership.
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Top tip
Carter White
