St Johnstone host Aberdeen on Saturday in a clash between two teams who many expect to be challenging for European football come the end of the season.

Both sides come into the game on the back of victories in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup last weekend. St Johnstone triumphed 2-0 over Livingston at McDiarmid Park, while Aberdeen's 1-0 away win over Partick Thistle saw them safely take their place in the next round.

Both sides have players out through injury; Saints' Steven Anderson and Steven MacLean both remain out, although the former's recovery from surgery on his hand is ahead of schedule.

Manager Tommy Wright is optimistic that key midfielder Murray Davidson can overcome a knock he picked up against Livingston.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen's Willo Flood and Clark Robertson remain on the sidelines, but Derek McInnes is confident that striker Josh Magennis can shake off a groin strain.

Tommy Wright was full of praise for his counterpart McInnes and the job he is doing at Pittodrie. He said: "They are a massive club, a club that is crying out for success.

"I think Derek McInnes has assembled a really good squad, a strong squad, and they are the type of club that could probably go and strengthen in the window because of the supporter base they have got.

"Everybody is expecting them to do really well this season and I'd be one of those people because I think they have a really good squad."

Meanwhile, McInnes was cautious about his team's chances as they travel to Perth for the first time this season: ""St Johnstone are always a tough side to play against and I think this season has been much the same.

"They have a real strength in depth and have had a couple of injuries that have not affected them much.

"St Johnstone away, there's not many tougher games in the league, but it's a game we feel we can win.

"We had a good performance in the main against Partick last week in the Cup game and even the performances prior to that there was much to be pleased with."

St Johnstone can leapfrog the Dons into fifth place in the Premiership table with a win. However, if Aberdeen are triumphant they will climb to third provided they can better the result of rivals Dundee United, who host rock-bottom Hearts.

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About the author
Jamie Hall
Cycling editor and football writer. Currently studying sports journalism at university.