Livi welcome Aberdeen to the Tony Macaroni Arena for the first time since 2005 as they look to end an unforgettable 2018 on a high note.

When the Lions started the year with a 1-1 Ladbrokes Championship draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, thoughts of promotion to the top flight remained still seemed fanciful but 12 months on, here we are – not just in the Premiership but well on our way to staying there!

We end the year by taking on the Aberdeen for the second time in just 18 days, the Dons having secured a 3-2 victory at Pittodrie in a match rescheduled from late October.

It took an injury-time goal to separate the sides on that occasion which ensures the Lions will be out for revenge in their final match before the winter break so, with that in mind, let’s look ahead to the big game!

How have the Dons got on since we last met?

The two sides having only met recently, Derek McInnes’ side have played just four matches since that encounter at Pittodrie, winning three in a row before losing a thriller to Celtic.

First up was a trip to face St Mirren in Paisley which ended in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Stevie May gave the Dons the lead from the penalty spot after half an hour but the Buddies were level within five minutes, Cammy McPherson firing home from close range. Sam Cosgrove’s second goal in as many games sealed the win on 61 minutes.

Cosgrove continued his purple patch three days later as the Dons hammered Dundee 5-1 at Pittodrie. The big striker grabbed a first-half double to put his side in control before Andy Considine and Connor MacLennan made it 4-0 inside 56 minutes. Kenny Miller pulled one back for the Dark Blues but Darren O’Dea put through his own net to seal the win.

That was followed by another home win, this time 2-0 over Hearts. Cosgrove was the hero again, making it six goals in four games as he followed up a second-minute opener with a penalty after the break.

Their four-game winning run was ended on Boxing Day as they came out on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller with Celtic. Scott Sinclair gave the Hoops a third-minute lead before Stevie May levelled from the penalty spot. Sinclair restored the lead before the game burst into life seven minutes from time when Cosgrove scored another penalty to make it 2-2.

Odsonne Edouard and Sinclair struck in the space of two minutes to seemingly wrap up the points but Lewis Ferguson struck in added time to set up a grandstand finish. All that means that the Dons go into Saturday’s match in fourth place with 36 points from 20 games.

Is there any team news ahead of the big game?

Raffaele De Vita is back in full training for Livi but won’t be ready for first team action until after the winter break. Ricki Lamie and Scott Robinson are unlikely to feature on Saturday following recent injuries. Jack Hamilton is available after the club appealed the red card he was shown against Dundee while Declan Gallagher is one booking away from triggering a one-match suspension.

Aberdeen may be without Niall McGinn and Max Lowe who are both suffering from groin injuries after a hectic December. Long-term absentees Greg Tansey, Tommie Hoban, Mark Reynolds and Michael Devlin are all still out while Graeme Shinnie and Andy Considine are one booking away from incurring a suspension.

What are the chances of a Livi win on Saturday?

Despite home advantage, the Lions are outsiders for Saturday’s match at 12/5 with league sponsors Ladbrokes. Aberdeen are 5/4 favourites with the draw priced at 2/1.

Livi’s last win over the Dons was a 2-0 win at Almondvale back in 2004 – if you fancy a repeat, that’s available at 16/1.

Can I still get a ticket?

There are still tickets available for both home and away fans, with prices as follows:

• £24 Adults
• £16 Concessions*
• £10 U16s

* Full time students on production of a current matriculation card, U18s, registered disabled (if with a carer and under 65 full price paid but carer admitted free)

Home fans can purchase tickets from the ticket window next to turnstiles 1 and 2 in the main stand. Tickets for visiting supporters can be bought from a sales point in the middle of the East Stand.

I’ve got my tickets, how do I get there?

As they do for every home match, First Scotland East – our official travel partners – are offering 20% off fares to fans travelling to the match on production of a match ticket or season ticket card. Please click here to view timetables or use the Journey Planner.

I can’t make the game, how can I keep up to date?

We will have our usual live text commentary over on our Twitter from around 2:15pm. Highlights can be seen on Sportscene at 6pm on Sunday.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Share this: