Dundee head north on Saturday to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie with both clubs eager to add to good starts to the season, The Dark Blues have picked up seven points from their first four games, while Aberdeen (who have played one match less) have done even better – An opening day win at Tannadice being followed by a home win against Kilmarnock and last Saturday The Dons again won on the road beating Motherwell 2-1 at Fir Park.
James McPake has recovered from a knock picked up in the Dens win over St Johnstone last weekend and is in the squad, but Luka Tankulic and Rory Loy will miss out. Manager Paul Hartley will hope that captain Kevin Thomson and Nicky Low will be fit to make the trip.
THE OPPOSITION
There could be a new face in the opposition line up this week as Josh Parker signed a loan deal from Red Star Belgrade, subject to international clearance, but regardless there have been a few changes for the men in red since Dundee last faced them on the penultimate weekend of season 2014-15, Goalkeeper Danny Ward arrived at Pittodrie in the summer on a season long loan from Liverpool and the 22 year old has already made nine starts for Aberdeen.
The big signing of the summer for Aberdeen though was the arrival from Inverness Caledonian Thistle of left back Graeme Shinnie, who arrived in the Granite City having captained ICT to a Scottish Cup win in May. The final new boy in McInnes’ squad is full back Paul Quinn who arrived from Ross County and has featured in all three of Aberdeen’s early league matches.
LAST SEASON
Honours were even in the matches between Dundee and the Dons last season – each side winning one of the five meeting with the last three of the season ending in draws. Four of those five matches were at Dens but while all were good game the Dark Blues’s solitary visit to Pittodrie was the pick of the bunch.
David Goodwillie gave the home side an early lead and they could have extended it before Dundee shocked them with three goals in ten minutes either side of half time, Gary Irvine and Greg Stewart striking before the interval to give Paul Hartley’s men the lead at the interval – and when Gary Harkins added to the tally three minutes after the break it looked like full points would be heading back down the road.
That still looked likely until Aberdeen were awarded a penalty with three minutes of regulation time to play – Jonny Hayes netted from the spot and deep into injury time Ryan Jack scrambled the ball home to earn the Dons a point.
DID YOU KNOW
That 3-3 draw was not Paul Hartley’s first trip to Pittodrie as a manager, in August 2013 he took Alloa Athletic north for a League Cup tie, and the Championship side only lost on penalties – the Dons going through 6-5 on pens after a 0-0 draw. Until the final this was the only time the Reds would be seriously tested – they comfortably saw off Falkirk, Motherwell and St Johnstone before Inverness held them to another goalless draw in the final at Celtic Park, Nicky Low scored in the penalty shoot-out which won The Dons their first trophy in 19 years.
MATCH DETAILS
Aberdeen v Dundee
Ladbrokes Premiership
Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Saturday August 22nd 2015
Kick off 3pm
TICKET ARRANGEMENTS
Tickets for this match are on sale now
Prices are
Adults priced at £25,
Over 65s at £19,
Students in Full Time Education & Over 75s at £15,
Under 18s at £10
Under 12s at £6.
These tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via the Ticket Office either in person, over the phone at 01382 889966 (option 1) or online by clicking the “TICKETS” link above.
There will cash stiles available at the Stadium though it is preferable that fans buy tickets in advance to speed up entry to the Stadium
Pittodrie is a No Smoking Stadium
Supporters travelling by Coach will be able to park to the rear of the South Stand- a £10 charge is levied per coach.
Supporters coaches should not be carrying alcohol and may be liable to stop and search by Police at any time.
It is an offence to attempt to bring alcohol into the Stadium or to attempt to enter the Stadium whilst drunk.
It is an offence to attempt to bring any controlled articles into the Stadium and flares and other pyrotechnic devices are also banned.
In the interests of everyone’s safety Supporters could be searched prior to entry.
The following road closures will be in effect in Aberdeen as a result of the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade on Saturday 22 August 2015.
From 1000 – 1200 hours
– Albyn Place from its junction with St Swithin Street and Carden Place to its junction with Holburn Street and Union Street
From 1030 – 1300 hours
– Union Street – full length
– Netherkirkgate just east of Flourmill Lane
– Broad Street at Queen Street (Access only for residents/businesses)
– Castle Street – full length
– King Street from its junction with East and West North Street to Castle Street
– Union Terrace from its junction with Rosemount Viaduct to its junction with Union Street
– Bridge Street from its junction with College Street/Wapping Street to its junction with Union Street
As a result of these closures, there is likely to be an increase in traffic on surrounding streets.
OUR ONLINE COVERAGE
Dundee FC Live will not be showing the match live from Pittodrie, however a complete replay of the match (full 90 minutes) will be available to all DEETV Virtual Season Ticket Holders late on Saturday evening. For those who prefer to watch a shorter version then highlights will be available on Sunday.
We will have live text updates here on the official site to keep you up to date direct from Dens.
