Aberdeen play host to St Mirren on Wednesday evening looking to defend their two-point advantage in the race for third position in the Scottish Premiership standings.

Meanwhile, St Mirren make the long trip to Pittodrie looking to overtake Hibernian with fifth place the best that they can realistically achieve come the end of the week.

Match preview

On the back of seven straight wins, everything was set up for Aberdeen to ruthlessly get over the line when it comes to achieving third place.

However, collecting just one point from a triple-header with Rangers, Hibernian and Hearts has put Barry Robson's side at risk of relinquishing the bronze-medal position.

The difference between third and fourth is beginning a qualifying round deeper in the Europa Conference League, as well as not having to play a competitive fixture a further two weeks into the season.

Both factors make it worthwhile for Aberdeen to put everything into bouncing back from their 2-1 defeat their nearest rivals Hearts, who came from behind to win 2-1 at Tynecastle at the weekend.

With a trip to champions Celtic to come on the final day, it leaves Aberdeen aware of the significance of winning on Wednesday, particularly when Hearts possess a superior goal difference.

St Mirren head into this fixture having impressively returned from their visit to Celtic with a 2-2 draw, twice leading at the title winners before having to settle for a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless, Stephen Robinson's side have now gone five matches without success, costing them the opportunity to challenge for fourth spot over the final week.

The best-case scenario, owing to their negative goal difference, is fifth spot, and at least two points are required from matches with Aberdeen and Rangers.

Regardless of what occurs, improving from last season's ninth place to a top six should be applauded, yet Robinson will feel that they have missed an opportunity to become European participants in the games either side of the cut-off.

Team News

Graeme Shinnie is expected to earn an instant return to the Aberdeen XI after serving a four-match ban for two successive red cards.

Connor Barron may drop out of the midfield three, but that could prove to be the only change to the side depending on the fitness of Duk.

The club's top goalscorer is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, yet Robson feels that the forward will feature in at least one of the final two games.

Meanwhile, St Mirren boss Robinson could also make minimal alterations to his side given the performance that they produced at Celtic.

Scott Tanser is most likely to return at left-back in place of Thierry Small.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Roos; Pollock, MacDonald, Scales; Richardson, Shinnie, Ramadani, Clarkson, Hayes; Miovski, Watkins

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Carson; Strain, Fraser, Shaughnessy, Taylor, Tanser; Gogic, Baccus, O'Hara; Kiltie, Main

We say: Aberdeen 2-1 St Mirren

With Aberdeen having slipped up in recent matches, St Mirren will fancy their chances of causing another surprise on their travels. However, we feel that the Dons will do just enough to edge this contest, putting themselves on the brink of securing third position.

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