St Johnstone and Aberdeen head into Saturday's Scottish Premiership fixture with both having failed to win their opening games of the season.
While St Johnstone recorded a 1-1 draw at Dundee United, Aberdeen succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers.
Match preview
Having reached the 46th-minute mark facing a 1-0 deficit at a man disadvantage, Callum Davidson would have naturally had concerns about the final outcome of their game against Dundee United.
However, a second-half equaliser from Liam Craig earned the home side a result which will feel like more than a point at this stage of the campaign.
With match fitness and sharpness still an issue, Davidson was understandably full of praise for his players, who may feel that they were unfortunate not to secure more than a share of the spoils.
Davidson was also quick to acknowledge that Michael O'Halloran was fully deserving of his dismissal for two yellow cards, a further indication that the newly-appointed boss wants his players to learn from their opening 90 minutes under his guidance.
The same can be said of Aberdeen, who performed considerably below their best during their 1-0 setback against last season's runners-up Rangers.
With cutbacks having had to be made due to the coronavirus pandemic, manager Derek McInnes finds himself in the middle of arguably the most demanding period of his seven-year spell at Pittodrie.
Publicly, McInnes was quick to credit the application of his players but registering just four shots, all of which were off target, will concern the long-serving boss.
Aberdeen's preparation have been severely hit by two positive Coronavirus tests, a development which has led to eight players being forced to self-isolate.
St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form: D
Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form: L
Team News
With O'Halloran serving a one-match suspension, Davidson will be forced into at least one alteration.
Having surprisingly began on the substitutes' bench last weekend, Stevie May could be handed a recall in attack.
Aberdeen will be without Andrew Considine, who was sent off during the closing stages of last weekend's opener.
Tommie Hoban, a recent arrival on a free transfer after his departure from Watford, may deputise at left-back.
Eight players, currently unnamed, will miss the fixture due to two positive coronavirus cases within the squad, which have seemingly stemmed from attending a pub in the city.
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Parish; Kerr, Gordon, McCart; McNamara, McCann, Craig, Booth; May, Hendry, Wotherspoon
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Hernandez, Taylor, McKenna, Hoban; Hayes, Ferguson, Ojo, Kennedy; Bryson, Anderson
We say: St Johnstone 1-2 Aberdeen
Despite failing to pose a regular threat against Rangers, Aberdeen can only improve on getting 90 minutes in their legs. With that in mind, we feel that the visitors can raise their game to edge out their hosts, despite their resilience last weekend.
Top betting tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Away Win:databody check tags ::
