Match Preview: Ross County (A)
Thoughts head of the trip to Dingwall
The Dons go on the road for the first time since their opening match against St. Johnstone. Ross County have not been in the best form with away defeats to Spartans and Rangers but their home form is strong. After the comforts of Pittodrie and facing St. Mirren and Kilmarnock on the back of their European trips, the Dons may face a more intense challenge at Victoria Park.
How will County’s press affect Aberdeen’s build up?
County have been preferring a 4-4-2 with Jordan White and Ronan Hale as the twin strikers in the last two weeks.
In my review of the Kilmarnock game, I noted how Aberdeen struggled to progress the ball as cleanly after Killie switched to this shape around 30mins in last Sunday. The best example to use is the St. Johnstone game when Craig Levein’s side played 4-4-2.
On that night, Aberdeen did not attempt to play through the thirds too often with Rubezic going long. The Dons however were also playing a clearer 4-4-2 with Miovski and Sokler up front. It was also earlier in the season so Aberdeen had less practice of building up. It’s clear they’ve been working on some of these patterns on the training ground and in the last two games.
The big area where Aberdeen can exploit if County press hard will be in front of the back four. McGrath, the best attacking player in the league currently, has proved adept in this zone. The aim will be to get the ball to him on the ground directly or via knock-downs.
We can see above how a high, tight press limits options for the two center backs. It would be interested to see how County react if Shinnie drops in to the right back slot again. We could see some of these scenarios.
Into Nilsen and into Sokler
Playing to Keskinen to flick round the corner for Devlin
The big switch to Jack Mackenzie
Thelin is unlikely to rigidly enforce building out from the back and has a plan in place for both scenarios. If County press aggressively and Aberdeen can’t move the ball out progressively, then it’s likely they’ll go long. Gueye’s aerial ability will provide an outlet as will Keskinen’s pace. If Aberdeen don’t win the first ball, Shinnie and Nilsen will be favourites for the second ball.
This game will be an indicator of Jimmy’s long-term approach. I think they were very cognizant of avoiding risk in the earlier games but seemed to have built up some confidence in playing out from the back over the past few weeks.
Line Up Predictions
Unlikely to be any major surprises. It is difficult to drop Gueye after his brace. Sokler for Nisbet would be the only other one but I expect the Slovenian will at least be given the first 45 minutes to retain his spot. Though he has struggled in front of goal, Ester has been extremely energetic in his pressing.
Keskinen on the Right
We talked before about Jamie McGrath playing as a second #10 on the left but there was question marks over whether he would remain there once Aberdeen sourced a more natural winger. Keskinen was believed to have been that man but Thelin instead placed him on the right, in place of Morris on Sunday.
He too was drifting inside and perhaps we will see his relationship with Devlin develop to mirror some of the movements on the other side. The performance was not that of a player hugging the touchline and delivering crosses. From what we’ve seen so far, at least against teams who sit deep, is that the width will primarily come from the fullbacks.
Have a little patience
The first goal on Sunday another example of the team taking their time around the top of the box after Keskinen’s winner against Queen’s Park.
There’s a nice video on the AFC twitter account that shows the calmness of the players as the recycle the ball around the top of the box. They are forming a guard around the top of the box that ensures they can retain possession quickly if cleared.
Miller and McLeish 2.0
There has been little talk about the central defensive partnership but Saturday was another assured display. Gavin Molloy, has earned the praise of Willie Miller and looks to have been a great pick-up from the recruitment team. Rubezic is improving on his ability to play out of the back, and seems less rash, although he has had no issue picking up bookings again this season.
Kyogo and the like will be a different test but 70-80% of their job will be against the combinations and styles they have faced thus far against Saint Johnston, Saint Mirren and Kilmarnock and this weekend will be no different.
Ronan Hale looks like he will be busy and give the two little time on the ball whilst Jordan White’s physicality will present a challenge. I would expect County will put White on Malloy and Hale on Rubezic. The former to test how robust the Irishman is, the latter to test Ruby’s pace.
Prediction:
I think this will be a nervy one. A tight affair but I fancy the Dons to ride the momentum into the International break.
Ross County 1 Aberdeen 2