Aberdeen

Topi Kekinen has been named in the Finland squad for their upcoming Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and England.

Finland are bottom of Group B2 after defeats to Greece and England but will look to kick-start their campaign with back-to-back home games against Ireland on Thursday, 10 October and England three days later.

Keskinen has two caps and earned them both in the aforementioned games.

Image source, Getty Images

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

"They haven’t been tested yet."

The cry from some as they watched Aberdeen rack up win after win at the start of the Jimmy Thelin era.

Having watched their latest, at Dundee on Saturday, I think it’s safe to say, if they hadn’t been, they have now.

The Dons showed immense grit to get through a second-half which was as good as anything they have faced from a Dundee side in years and that is despite the fact they didn’t get the better of them once last season.

Previous Aberdeen sides would have wilted having seen their 2-0 lead halved and followed by a dark blue hurricane in that second 45 minutes. This one didn’t and the young centre-back pairing of Gavin Molloy and Slobodan Rubezic reacted well to mistakes in what was an even first half.

Dons’ supporters don’t tend to enjoy it when those in other parts of the country opine about how their club is doing regardless of league position. It is also worth noting that they took nine points fewer from their first meetings against the same opposition last season. That’s half the tally they have amassed this time term.

There is no denying the impact that has been made by Thelin and his assistants Emir Bajrami, Christer Persson and Peter Leven.

This is a team that has only a Hampden penalty shoot-out defeat by Celtic as its only real blemish since mid-March.

Momentum is king in football as the Dons prepare for Hearts’ visit to Pittodrie on Sunday, a venue the Edinburgh side have struggled at when they’ve been in-form recently let alone when bottom of the league and three days after a Conference League trip to Azerbaijan.

Hearts haven’t won in the Granite City since May 2016 and are planning to travel straight to Aberdeen after their tie with Belarussians Dinamo Minsk as they search for their first win of the season.

If Aberdeen make it lucky 13 on Sunday they will head for their acid test at Celtic Park having extended the second longest winning run in the club’s history.

Striker Kevin Nisbet has revealed Peter Leven played a key role in convincing him to move to Aberdeen on loan from Millwall and that the first-team coach has been helping him rediscover the form that led to Scotland caps for the 27-year-old. (Press & Journal), external

Jimmy Thelin has no regrets about missing out on Elfsborg's participation in the Europa League as he targets a return to the European stage as Aberdeen manager. (Daily Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Gary Scott
Fan writer

"We know the league stops in May and we have a long period to go until then."

Wise words from Jimmy Thelin after his Aberdeen side made it 12 wins from 12 this season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Dens Park on Saturday.

That result saw the Dons top the Premiership table on their lonesome, for a couple of hours at least. Before the game, all of the talk in the media centred on the notion that Thelin's side had yet to be tested.

A first win at Dens since 2019 means that Aberdeen have now dispatched 50% of the sides who finished in the top six last season.

Indeed, the continuing narrative about being "tested" is becoming tedious and is immensely disrespectful to the sides that the Dons have faced so far this campaign. It also fails to take into account the dire straits that the Reds were in last season – the upturn in fortunes is nothing short of remarkable.

Seasoned Scottish football watchers all know fine well that the Premiership is fiercely competitive and every game offers a test. To put Aberdeen's improved form into context, against the corresponding fixtures from last season, Thelin's men are thirteen points better off already.

Saturday's victory at Dens was a different type of victory for the incredible Red Army to enjoy. After controlling large parts of the first half and looking incredibly comfortable thanks to Kevin Nisbet's cool strike and Topi Keskinen's first league goal for the club, the concession of a penalty late in the first half put a different complexion on things.

Dundee emerged for the second half determined to rescue something from the game and Aberdeen had to dig out the victory thanks to dogged defending & solid goalkeeping from Dimitar Mitov. A pleasing aspect of the second 45 for Thelin will have been that, despite having significant periods with the ball, his Aberdeen side restricted Dundee to very little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

Key in that defensive rear-guard action was a phenomenal performance by Nicky Devlin who showed, once again, why Thelin is so keen to see him sign a contract extension. Devlin’s fine start to the season was also rewarded with a richly deserved first call-up to the Scotland senior squad.

Ultimately, to finish the season where Aberdeen aspire to, there are times to see out results with performances that aren't pretty and Saturday's win at Dens neatly falls into that category.

If Thelin can make it a Lucky 13 on Sunday as troubled Hearts head for Pittodrie, then there's every chance that this could turn out to be an exceptionally memorable campaign.

Gary Scott can be found on the ABZ Football Podcast, external.

Five of Aberdeen' Scottish Premiership matches over the winter period have been amended for various reasons.

Kick-off against Rangers at Pittodrie on Wednesday, 30 October has been pushed back 15 minutes until 20:00, while the visit of Dundee on Saturday, 9 November has been moved to a 17:30 kick-off - rather than 15:00 - at the request of both clubs.

Jimmy Thelin's first trip to Easter Road has been shifted due to the Dons participation in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, and will now take place on Tuesday, 26 November at 19:45.

And Aberdeen kick off December with back-to-back games on the television.

Their trip to Tynecastle on Sunday, 1 December will kick-off at 15:00, while three days later they host Celtic at 20:00.

Image source, SNS

With Steve Clarke announcing his Scotland squad tomorrow, could we see a familiar face earn a recall to the national squad after a year in the wilderness?

Kevin Nisbet was last in the national squad when Scotland took on England in a friendly at Hampden, following his move south to Millwall.

However, with only five goals last season he has not been selected since and has been unable to add to his 11 caps.

"I played with Kevin at Hibs - very, very good striker," McGeady said. "I was surprised it didn't quite work out for him Millwall but he's a shrewd acquisition from Aberdeen. I was surprised he didn't go back to Hibs to be honest."

Nisbet scored his third goal in five games at the Dons during Saturday's 2-1 win over Dundee and has impressed since his move north.

"With [Pape] Gueye being missing, I was unsure of how Aberdeen would do because I think they have been relying a lot on him. But they've added to the squad and, at that end of the table where Aberdeen are wanting to be, that's a shrewd acquisition in getting Nisbet and that's three goals in five games already.

"He will score goals, he's a proven striker in the Premiership. It's up to him to keep adding to that and have a good season because I think his plans are to get back in the Scotland setup.

"I think that was why he wanted to come back to Scotland with a bit more of a spotlight on himself, to get back into Steve Clarke's plans."

However, McGeady is unsure that Nisbet will be named tomorrow in Clarke's squad to face Croatia and Portugal in the Nations League.

"I'd be surprised, I think he needs a little bit more time and more form to be included instead of Lawrence Shankland. Steve Clarke is very loyal to his players, the players who have done well for him in the place.

"If Nisbet keeps playing the way he is, scoring goals, and with Shankland not firing on all cylinders, there is a potential for that to happen."

• Aiden McGeady was speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, which you can listen to on BBC Sounds by clicking here.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen express keeps flying along the tracks as they made it 12 wins from their last 12 games.

Dundee were the latest to be put to the sword, with Finnish summer signing Topi Keskinen putting in a player of the match performance. He ghosted past the Dundee defence to set up Kevin Nisbet's goal before before grabbing one of his own - which would prove to be the winner.

Nicky Devlin also impressed at right-back as part of a resolute second-half display when Tony Docherty's side threatened a come-back.

Watch highlights from Aberdeen's win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK viewers only.

Sportscene's Steven Thompson, Neil McCann and Barry Robson discuss Aberdeen's 12-match winning run under new manager Jimmy Thelin.

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 2-1 win against Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Eric: Another strong performance despite being under pressure for long periods of time, but this can only work so often. Better sides would punish us severely. We need players who can release that pressure and hold the ball. At least we have depth of squad to allow this to happen, but can't wait as long as we did yesterday to get these players on the park.

Alison: Thought Topi Keskinen and Nicky Devlin were outstanding yesterday. We were brilliant in the first half, Dundee seemed to get a new lease of life in the second half, but our defence held out to send the amazing Aberdeen fans up the road with another three points.

Donald M: Great to keep our winning run going, but concerning how much possession we allowed Dundee to enjoy, particularly in the second-half. Clearly Dons are stronger in defence under Jimmy Thelin, but he must address our lack of possession throughout the second half and lack of goal threat, it wasn't amazing, it was a difficult watch! Fortunate three points.

Neil: Jimmy has definitely brought the feel-good factor back. Everyone can see how he wants to play. The club, players and fans have all bought a ticket and are loving it. The 'winning the league' chants are great fun, as it clearly winds the Scottish football pundits with Glasgow allegiances up. Long may it continue.

Duncan: Should have been done and dusted in the first half. Credit to Tony Docherty's Dundee, they made us sweat at the end. Aberdeen would probably have wilted under previous management and players, however this is an Aberdeen who can grind out a win to win ugly. Dimitar Mitov and Rubezic celebrations at the end pretty much summed up how every fan felt.

Ross: First signs of a wobble from Aberdeen; Dundee can rightly feel hard done by not to get a point at least. Nonetheless, the winning inertia saw the Dons over the line. Other teams will be lucky to win at Dens this season so overall it was a fantastic result.

Image source, SNS

• Simon Murray has scored two goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Dundee player has more.

• Aberdeen have won their last six games in the Premiership. Their last longer winning streak was from 25th February 2023 to 23rd April 2023, a run of seven games.

• Dundee have failed to win in their last four games in the Premiership. Their last longer winless streak was from 6th April 2024 to 4th August 2024, a run of nine games.

• Aberdeen have scored in their last 11 games in the Premiership. Their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 12 games from 17th January 2016 to 8th April 2016.

Aberdeen first-team coach Peter Leven, who was interviewed for St Johnstone's managerial vacancy, has told the Perth club that he will be remaining at Pittodrie after holding talks with manager Jimmy Thelin and the club hierarchy. (Sunday Mail), external

St Johnstone are aiming to finalise a deal with Tiernan Lynch on Sunday to make the Larne boss their new manager after choosing the 44-year-old as their number one candidate, but it is now down to the Scottish Premiership club agreeing a financial package with the Northern Irishman. (Belfast Telegraph), external

Adam Webb has identified Larne manager Tiernan Lynch as his preferred choice to be St Johnstone's new team boss after the club owner conducted interviews - and a compensation package has been agreed with the Northern Irish champions. (Sunday Post), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Twelve wins on the bounce in all competitions for Jimmy Thelin's high-flying Aberdeen as Dundee are defeated at Dens Park, as goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen have the Dons keeping the pace at the top of the Premiership table.

Have your say on the action here, external.

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Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "We are happy with that. But we don’t think or talk about it. We go game-by-game. It’s still September and the league stops in May, so we need to be humble, keep working and push ourselves and be better.

"Dundee are a really strong team. I am happy with our first half. But they controlled the game a little bit in the second and we defended really well, which is a big part of the game - to defend around our own box. All the players helped each other and the goalkeeper.

"We need to keep the good team spirit. How the players helped each other today was amazing to see."

Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen have become the first non-Old Firm club to win their opening six Scottish Premiership matches in nine years. Last last to do it? Themselves in 2015-16.

Despite the absence of league top scorer Gueye, they looked a threat. Nisbet fired the visitors in front but it was Finnish winger Keskinen who shone brightest.

Keskinen assisted Nisbet before snatching a goal of his own on 32 minutes, while continually causing havoc at every opportunity on the right flank.

A resolute display followed in the second half as Thelin’s side sat deeper to counteract the persistent waves of attacks thrown at them.

Aberdeen's lack of attacking threat following the interval showed as they only had eight shots on goal - a current season Premiership low for them - and endured a 30-minute-plus barren shooting spell in the second half.

Thelin made smart changes at the correct time; sacrificing Nisbet, Keskinen and Leighton Clarkson as time wound down to provide more energy to his tiring team.

Image source, SNS

Topi Keskinen excelled in attack as Aberdeen grabbed their 12th consecutive win in all competitions.

The Finnish winger got the best of Dundee defender Billy Koumetio twice in the first half, allowing him to assist striker Kevin Nisbet for the opener before lashing home his side's second of the afternoon.

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Jimmy Thelin is not aware of how serious Premiership top scorer Pape Habib Gueye's injury is.

"He unfortunately picked up an injury," the Dons boss told BBC Scotland.

"We are waiting for an assessment from the experts. We expect a clear answer by Monday.

"He has been really good and an important player for the team. The most important thing is that he gets back fit and healthy. We have to find solutions now."

Image source, SNS

There's a shock amongst Aberdeen's two changes as summer signing Pape Habib Gueye, who has five goals in five league appearances this season, is absent from the Aberdeen match day squad this afternoon. The in-form forward is replaced by Finnish winger Topi Keskinen.

Club captain Graeme Shinnie returns to the XI following the Dons' League Cup quarter-final victory over Spartans - a move which ousts Ante Palaversa.

Returning to the match day squad is previously AWOL forward Duk, who has not played for the club since 19 May 2024.

Follow our live coverage here.

Dundee: McCracken, Ingram, Portales, C Robertson, Koumetio, Larkeche, Braybrooke, Sylla, Cameron, Murray, Tiffoney.

Substitutes: Carson, Astley, Mulligan, Main, Adewumi, F Robertson, Palmer-Houlden, Fraser, Vetro.

Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, MacKenzie, Heltne Nilsen, Shinnie, McGrath, Clarkson, Keskinen, Nisbet.

Substitutes: Doohan, Duk, Besuijen, Palaversa, Sokler, Morris, Milne, MacDonald, Ambrose.

Image source, SNS

Dundee defender Jordan McGhee drops out with a calf injury but Scott Fraser, Charlie Reilly and Clark Robertson are back in contention. Joe Shaughnessy (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Aberdeen could have Duk in their match-day squad for the first time this season while Dante Polvara remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Seven games, only one start - with no goals - into his Aberdeen career, Pape Habib Gueye found himself so out in the cold he was shipped across the North Sea to the west coast of Norway.

As Bojan Miovski continued to rise above the Dons' managerial problems and poor form to win a summer move to La Liga with Girona, the 25-year-old Senegalese striker was plying his trade on loan to newly-promoted Kristiansund in a 4,400-capacity stadium.

The last of his four goals there came in a 3-1 win over Sarpsborg in June and, when he rounded off his 16-game stay in a 2-0 defeat away to Viking a month later, there were few signs that Gueye would be capable of filling the gaping hole left by the departed North Macedonia international.

However, six goals in eight games since, the striker who arrived last summer from Belgian club Kortrijk, has found a new lease of life under Jimmy Thelin and been central to Aberdeen's 11-game winning run under their new manager.

Indeed, he leads the Premiership scoring charts, his five goals being the most by a player in their first four league starts since Marc McNulty for Hibernian in February-March 2019.

Gueye will be relishing the opportunity to face a Dundee side on Saturday who have gone 10 league games, and seven overall, without a clean sheet and who have gone from nine games unbeaten to four without a victory.

However, the Dons have not won at Dens Park in their past three visits, their 1-0 defeat in March helping Dundee remain unbeaten in their three meetings last season following two draws at Pittodrie.

Winning this one would be the kind of result Gueye and Aberdeen, behind leaders Celtic only on goal difference, need to show they have what it takes to mount a surprise title challenge.

Read all of this weekend's Premiership picks here.

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Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson is "excited" to face former Liverpool teammate Billy Koumetio when the Dons visit Dundee on Saturday.

The 22-year-old made his first start in nearly two months on Saturday as Jimmy Thelin's side advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup with a 4-0 win at home to Spartans.

He is hoping to keep his place in the team this weekend and test himself against a familiar face in Koumetio, whom he spent five years with in Liverpool's academy.

"He's a lad that I know really well, I've played with him since I was about 16," said Clarkson.

"He's a good centre-half and I know all the qualities he can bring.

"When I heard he was coming up here, I spoke to him and I told him he's going to play football and learn the Scottish game.

"It's a good move for a lot of the English talent to come here. I'm excited to see him tomorrow."

Koumetio joined Dundee in the summer on a permanent two-year deal from Liverpool and took advice from a couple of his academy teammates before making the switch.

"This weekend, a player who I know [Clarkson] is playing for Aberdeen," said Koumetio.

"I have seen how he is performing in the league and how his game is going up and up and up.

"Before I came, I also spoke with Owen Beck, who did a good year, we all know that.

"I was on the phone with Owen before I came and everything he said I just saw it, I experienced it, so Owen was the one I took counsel from."