Aberdeen Host Livingston: Relegation-Threatened Visitors Seek Upset at Pittodrie
Aberdeen will host struggling Livingston at Pittodrie Stadium in a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter. Bottom-of-the-table Livingston desperately needs points to escape the relegation zone, while Aberdeen aims to solidify their mid-table position with a home win. This fixture is significant for both sides, promising a fiercely contested match.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Scottish Premiership clash holds significant importance for both Aberdeen and Livingston. Aberdeen currently sits 8th in the league table with 25 points from 22 games. While relatively safe from relegation, they are keen to climb higher and improve their league standing. Playing at home offers them a prime opportunity to secure a victory.
In stark contrast, Livingston is embroiled in a fierce relegation battle, sitting at the bottom of the league table with a mere 10 points from 21 matches. Every point is crucial for them to escape the drop zone. Facing their longest winless run in the league's history at 20 games, Livingston's situation is dire. This away fixture represents a critical test of their ability to turn their fortunes around.
Recent Form
Aberdeen's recent form in their last five official matches has been underwhelming, recording one win and four losses. Their sole victory came in the Scottish Cup, a 1-0 win against Raith Rovers, but they suffered successive league defeats to Rangers (twice), Falkirk, and Hibernian.
Livingston's recent performance is equally concerning, as they are winless in their last five outings, with two draws and three losses. They drew 1-1 against St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup (losing on penalties) and shared points in a 1-1 league draw with Kilmarnock, but fell to defeats against Hearts, Dundee United, and Celtic.
Key Players & Injury News
Aberdeen will be without several key players. Gavin Molloy is expected to be sidelined until early February 2026 due to a knee injury, while Kristers Tobers is also out until mid-February 2026 with a knee injury. Captain Graeme Shinnie and midfielder Leighton Clarkson are expected to play pivotal roles on the field.
Livingston also faces significant injury woes, with Adam Montgomery ruled out for the season due to a calf injury. S. Blaney (muscle injury) and Aidan Denholm (hamstring injury) are both expected to be out until late January 2026. These injuries have prompted manager David Martindale to look for reinforcements in the January transfer window.