Aberdeen

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• Aberdeen's Stephen Robinson has lost his past three league meetings with former side St Mirren, twice with Motherwell in 2019-20 and with his current club in April this year.

• Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Aberdeen have won five of their 18 league meetings with St Mirren, a rate of 28%. Among sides they have faced five plus times in the league in this time, only against the two Old Firm clubs do they have a lower win rate: 0% v Celtic (0/17) and 18% v Rangers (3/17).

• St Mirren's past seven league visits to Aberdeen have had a total of 28 goals (14 each, 4.0 per game), with at least one side scoring three plus goals in all seven of those games.

• Including the curtailed 2019-20 season, Aberdeen have only lost their final home league game in two of the past eight campaigns (W4 D2), although one of those was last season, a 5-1 defeat to Celtic.

• Including the curtailed 2019-20 season, St Mirren have only won their final away game in one of their past nine top-flight campaigns (D3 L5), including none of their latest six (D3 L3) since beating Dundee 3-2 in 2018-19.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Stephen Robinson wanted to make his Aberdeen team hard to beat and Pittodrie a difficult place to come. Four games unbeaten and three clean sheets is certainly a good starting point.

There is no getting away from the fact we will face tougher tests, but confidence and momentum are crucial in football. We have lacked both this season.

Saturday's victory over Dundee United may have had an end-of-season feel, but the three points ensured safety is secured. Who'd have thought that would be the case with two games to go when we last faced tonight's opposition in a 2-0 defeat in Paisley and the writing felt like it was on the wall?

It's not quite feet up, but maybe a chance for fringe players to stake a claim in these final two games.

Robinson said his mind was largely made up on those he wants here next season. Can anyone change his mind?

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

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Aberdeen pair Stuart Armstrong and Dimitar Mitov will have surgery this week and be fit to start pre-season training. Striker Marko Lazetic will also miss out for personal reasons. Alexander

Jensen and Dennis Geiger are doubts, while Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

St Mirren defender Alex Gogic returns from suspension but they are still missing Declan John (hernia), Dan Nlundulu (thigh), Shamal George (ankle), Ryan Mullen (thigh), Jonah Ayunga (knee), Malik Dijksteel (groin) and Keanu Baccus (Achilles).

Former Aberdeen and Hibernian winger Junior Hoilett would not be surprised to see Martin Boyle join the Dons this summer when the Australia international's deal at Easter Road expires. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Andrew Southwick
BBC Sport Scotland

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Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has been talking to the media before Tuesday's Premiership match against St Mirren.

Here are the best bits from his news conference:

• Robinson would love to see former club St Mirren survive, but is going all out to beat them on Tuesday.

• Should St Mirren end up in the play-off, he says he has "no doubt they have the desire and quality" to stay up.

• Points out he left St Mirren in 10th place, in the Scottish Cup semi-final and as League Cup winners, and that results since he left have nothing to do with him.

• Thinking back to the most recent game against St Mirren - which was the last time Aberdeen lost - he says "I probably got deceived a little bit in training" but says the mentality has since improved and that he now knows who can handle the pressure.

• He revealed goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has been playing through the pain barrier with a groin injury, and that Stuart Armstrong has "a breathing problem". Both have required surgery, which has ended their seasons early.

• Alexander Jensen and Dennis Geiger are both doubts for Tuesday. Marko Lazetic has gone back home for family reasons, and is unlikely to play again this season.

• The pressure is not off despite being safe from relegation, with Robinson saying "you have to win every game at Aberdeen Football Club."

• The Dons will be "going all out" to finish in seventh place, with Saturday's win over Dundee United narrowing the gap on Jim Goodwin's side to three points. But he admits it doesn't stand for a lot, because "we don't want to be finishing seventh next season."

• Will consider giving fringe players a chance in the remaining two games, but says those in the side have done well and he "doesn't believe in giving people appearances for the sake of it".

• Has told his fringe players "if you train better, you'll play better, and then you'll play more".

• Has been impressed with the attitude of Ante Palaversa - who has struggled for game time this season, but was instrumental off the bench in Aberdeen's second goal on Saturday.

• "A lot of things need changed for Aberdeen to move forward. The recruitment has to be better." He said there's no doubt there are talented players, but "they have to fit into the team, into the structure, and fit into playing for me."

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Aberdeen midfielder Stuart Armstrong and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov will undergo surgery this week and will miss the remaining two matches of the season.

Both started Saturday's win over Dundee United that secured safety from relegation, with Armstrong scoring the first of their two goals and Mitov keeping a clean sheet.

Now manager Stephen Robinson has announced they will sit out games against St Mirren and Dundee so they can "complete rehabilitation in order to be fit to return for pre-season in June".

Aberdeen have not revealed details of their respective injuries.

Former Scotland, Celtic, United, Southampton and Vancouver Whitecaps 34-year-old Armstrong joined the Dons after leaving Sheffield Wednesday in September and has made 36 appearances.

Mitov, the 29-year-old Bulgarian who joined from St Johnstone in 2024, has played 48 times this season.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kieran O'Hara - Dundee

A clean sheet and a penalty save as Dundee safeguarded their Premiership status.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

A star showing from Curtis with two huge goals over fellow relegation rivals St Mirren.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

What a block to deny Lawrence Shankland. Gave everything for the Motherwell cause.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

There feels like there is so much more impetus about Celtic ever since the international break. Seasoned campaigners like Tierney have really come to the fore as Celtic make their final charge to defend their title. An assist for Maeda's first goal.

Jordan Obita - Hibernian

On the scoresheet in what was a big away win at the Falkirk Stadium.

Josh Campbell - Hibernian

Two well taken goals on the way to a big result which keeps alive Hibs hopes of catching Motherwell.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

A captain's performance as the Celtic leader marshalled his teammates to great effect throughout a potentially pivotal Old Firm victory.

Cam Congreve - Dundee

Another goal for the consistently excellent Welsh international on loan from Swansea.

Toyosi Olusanya - Aberdeen

Finally, his first goal for Aberdeen. Big moment for the former St Mirren man.

Lawrence Shankland - Hearts

Denied by O'Donnell, but you don't keep the Hearts captain down for long. When the next chance came along there was never any doubt Shankland would find the net. Could be a huge goal.

Daizen Maeda - Celtic

In a decidedly mixed season, Maeda was outstanding in the Old Firm derby. Time seemed to stand still as his stupendous overhead kick looped into the net behind Jack Butland. Maeda never stood still throughout this match, his energy levels saw him chase down Rangers players throughout. Two goals on the day and six goals in four games. Coming to the boil at just the right time.

On-loan Houston Dynamo striker Toyosi Olusanya has confirmed he is open to extending his stay at Aberdeen beyond the summer. (Press & Journal), external

Aberdeen fans, we asked for your opinions on the 2-0 win over Dundee United at Pittodrie, which officially secured topflight safety. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Neil: Well done to Stephen Robinson and his coaching staff. At times this season Aberdeen players have looked lost and lacked confidence. They are now much more organised and are keeping clean sheets. Two games to go for the manager to decide the players he wants to keep and start building for next season. Hopefully he will be fully backed by the chairman.

Justin: Fantastic to secure safety on our own terms, along with another clean sheet. Robinson deserves a lot of praise for what he's achieved in such a short time.

Jim: Toyosi Olusanya was terrific, especially the first half. Unfortunately as a team we can't move forward with a few players who have failed all season. Jack Milne, Gavin Molloy and Dimitar Mitov are not anywhere good enough to pull the red jersey on.

Niall: This season will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Now it's time to wipe the slate clean. It's galling how the board allowed the club to drift for so long after Jimmy Thelin left, as I feel Robinson has already steadied the ship with the existing squad. Who knows how the season might have turned out if he had been appointed in February? Onwards and upwards for next season with no European pressure.

Struan: Huge credit to the lads, far better all round. Looking forward to next season, which is something I never saw myself saying after such a poor season. Set the deadwood adrift and let the man (Robinson) cook, as they say.

Stephen: We are so much better when we play direct football, asking questions of a defence by going over the top, and down the wings. Long may that continue! United's disallowed goal came from the one time we tried to be 'modern' and play cute from the back. There is a lesson there!

Ian: Let's not get carried away, we're playing teams in the lower section of the league. The measure will be next season in all playing better teams. Looking for third spot in the league is Aberdeen's ultimate goal and then we can say it's been a success.

Arch: Relegation avoided - which for many of the current squad will be the highlight of their career. One or two bright spots on the horizon. Olusanya's beginning to get it together, midfield is looking stronger than it was, but I still have little confidence in that defence.

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Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson hopes not being involved in European football will help his side make a good start to next season as he eyes recruiting players who can handle the rigours of the Scottish Premiership.

Robinson, who took over in March, has guided the Dons to top-flight safety, with Saturday's 2-0 win over Dundee United completing a four-game unbeaten run.

The former St Mirren boss believes the Pittodrie club's European exertions had a bearing on their domestic form this season.

"When things don't go as well as you want it to, or expect it to, you can have seasons like that and a lot of the time it is after Europe," Robinson said.

"After Europe is a big test and a lot of managers lose their job after Europe.

"I managed not to at St Mirren, although the expectation there is maybe a little bit lower than Aberdeen, but it is a difficult task.

"The lesson for me is we have to recruit boys who can play in the Scottish Premiership. That is easier said than done, of course, because you don't know until you put them in that environment, but you have to lessen the risk.

"We have to try and get players who can compliment each other and we have already started that process, but I will have a lot of focus on that going forward over the next couple of weeks."

Strikers Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart, who were on loan to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and midfielder Ryan Duncan, who was with Ross County, could still have a future with Aberdeen despite being out of contract this summer as new manager Stephen Robinson assesses the trio on their return to Pittodrie. (Press & Journal), external

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says he can concentrate on recruiting players who can play in the Scottish Premiership and bring freshness to his squad now that they are safe from relegation. (Press & Journal), external

Jimmy Thelin has revealed he is finally ready to return to management, four months after he was fired by Aberdeen. (The National), external

Although he is ready to return to the dugout, former Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin and Elfsborg agreed it is was too soon for a return to the club he managed for almost seven years. (Press & Journal), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "The first job done that we set out to do was to steady the ship and make sure we are well away from the relegation play-off spot which looked like somewhere we could be heading.

"Credit to the players, they've bought into everything. We've tried to get them more solid and more organised and that's three clean sheets in a row."

On Toyosi Olusanya's influence, including a goal and an assist, Robinson says: "Delighted for him. He's a lovely boy and someone I've worked with for a long time. He causes chaos. Anything goes in behind he's so strong.

"The first goal, there's not many players can hold the defender off and have the composure to set Stuart up for a fantastic finish.

"He scores himself. The Hibs game he got someone sent off and won a penalty. The Livingston game he wins the free kick that we score from, and he got the guy sent off today.

"There's lots of his game he has to keep working on, and he knows that, he's a willing worker. But I certainly wouldn't like to play against him."

A goal and assist from Toyosi Olusanya continued Aberdeen's improvement under Stephen Robinson as they defeated Dundee United at Pittodrie to stretch their unbeaten Scottish Premiership run to four games.

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Forward Kevin Nisbet, 29, believes Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson's tactics can help him fulfil his potential. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Sealing seventh place in the Scottish Premiership is Dundee United's clear goal when they face Aberdeen on Saturday, says Zac Sapsford, 23. (Courier - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Stephen Robinson is determined to keep Graeme Shinnie at Aberdeen on a new deal, hailing the 34-year-old as "arguably the best captain I have ever worked with".

Shinnie's contract is up in the summer, but Robinson believes he could still have a significant part to play at Pittodrie and revealed talks are under way.

"I am very determined to keep Graeme Shinnie at the football club," said the Dons boss.

"I think Graeme Shinnie is arguably the best captain I have ever worked with and I have been very to lucky to work with some top, top people at international and club level.

"He is a culture setter and there are not enough people in this building that set cultures. What we are trying to do at the moment is speak to Graeme about where he sees himself and where he fits in.

"Graeme won't play every game for me next season, he knows that, he accepts that stage of his career. But I think it is vital we keep somebody like Graeme at the football club in a playing capacity that guides younger players and sets the standards who also will play a part in games at times when you need that leadership.

"I don't give contracts or offer jobs to people as a token gesture to keep fans happy or as a sympathy vote, I don't work like that.

"I give people jobs or opportunities that will make me successful and make Aberdeen successful and I believe Graeme will play a part in that whatever role we decide."

Robinson says he has decided on the players he would like to keep and those he is keen to move on in the summer.

In terms of bringing new faces in, he was asked if there will be cash to spend in the close season.

He said: "I think we will have to generate money. The board have put a lot of money into the squad over the last three or four years, millions and millions of pounds and that can't be continued.

"We are going to have to work smart and clever but I have done that on a lot less money so we are confident we can put a very competitive squad together."

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Aberdeen have Emmanuel Gyamfi available after a head knock while Nicky Devlin might make the bench after returning to training following a three-month lay-off. Alexander Jensen is a doubt while Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

Dundee United are set to remain without Amar Fatah, Luca Stephenson (both hamstring), Kristijan Trapanovski, Isaac Pappoe (both knee) and goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer (shoulder).

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Aberdeen's Kevin Nisbet has defended fellow striker Toyosi Olusanya, saying he is a player "who doesn't really get the credit he deserves".

The former St Mirren forward has yet to score in 15 appearances since joining on loan from Houston Dynamo in January.

New Dons boss Stephen Robinson, who previously worked with Olusanya in Paisley, is reportedly keen to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent deal this summer.

And Nisbet believes that despite a lack of goals, the Dons have reaped the rewards of Olusanya's presence on the park.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership visit of Dundee United, he said: "Toyosi is great for me, we work really well.

"He has raw pace and I think like any striker he just needs one to kind of hit off him and go in the top bin and then he will go on a run.

"I think he doesn't really get the credit he deserves, he has got a few people sent off, he has won a few penalties.

"It has just not clicked for him in front of goal but hopefully that is different tomorrow and he can go on a wee run towards the end of the season."

Since his appointment in mid-March, Robinson has started to turn things round at Pittodrie, with the Dons all but safe and looking to extend their three-game unbeaten run this weekend.

"There is a lot more structure, a lot more organisation," said Nisbet. "I think there has been a really good team spirit as well, round the place has been really good and training has been tough but there has been a lot of information.

"It took a few weeks to get going but I think the last few games you can see what kind of team we are.

"We want to play forward quickly, it is not just about hoofing the ball long, it is about moving the opposition to try and get in behind and play to our strengths and get the balls into the box. We have scored a few goals as well which is always good."

Nisbet, who has scored 11 goals this term and has 11 Scotland caps, remains hopeful of making the national squad for this summer's World Cup.

"All I can do is just perform well and score goals then we will just see what happens," he said.

"Of course I am still hopeful, of course I would still love to go, but right now it is just about getting Aberdeen safe and try and win the last few games."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership visit of Dundee United.

Here are the key lines:

• A point would secure the Dons' Premiership status, with Robinson saying they want to "finish the season strongly" and are "not out of the woods yet".

• Aberdeen could even be safe with a defeat - depending on the outcome of St Mirren v Kilmarnock - but Robinson insists "we can only concentrate on ourselves".

• His side want to build on their three-game unbeaten run and keep momentum: "I think there have been signs of improvement, we know it is not the finished article."

• He rejected the notion United don't have anything to play for, saying Jim Goodwin's men will be right up for the game.

• Robinson's response was "yes" when asked if he has decided which players he wants to keep and move on in the summer. He adds: "The problems we have had this season won't be fixed in one window."

• On how close he is to lining up new signings: "I have really concentrated on making sure we get out of the trouble that we are in."

• Robinson admits the balance of the squad "isn't right" at the moment, adding in jest: "We have good people at the football club that have put about 500 names in front of me every day."

• The Dons boss praised loan striker Toyosi Olusanya's contribution: "He has come up here and given the team something they didn't have before." While Olusanya "needs a goal", Robinson insists he has "complemented Kevin [Nisbet] very well".

• Team news: After nearly three months out Nicky Devlin could return. Emmanuel Gyamfi is available but Alexander Jensen is a doubt.

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• Aberdeen have lost just one of their past 17 home league games against Dundee United (W8 D8) and are unbeaten in nine (W5 D4) since a 3-0 defeat in August 2014.

• United are unbeaten in six league meetings with Aberdeen (W3 D3) since losing 1-0 in October 2024.

• Aberdeen have picked up more points in their past three league games (7 – W2 D1) than in their previous 16 beforehand (6 – W1 D3 L12). At home, the Dons are looking to win three successive league games without conceding for the first time since a run of four from February to April 2023.

• United have lost their past two away league games, last losing three in a row on the road in the Premiership in May 2023.

• Only Hearts (22) and Rangers (21) have scored more goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) than United (19) in the Premiership this season, while Aberdeen are the division's lowest scorers from such scenarios (eight). Meanwhile, only Livingston (21) have conceded more goals from non-penalty set-plays than the Dons (19).

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is looking to forge a cooperation agreement with Arbroath for next season following 20-year-old midfielder Findlay Marshall's successful loan at Gayfield this season. (Daily Record), external

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has praised Findlay Marshall for battling to earn a new contract after being told by previous boss Jimmy Thelin to find a new club and being sent on loan to Arbroath. (Press & Journal), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.