Ayr United face Struggling Ross County in the Highlands
Ayr United are making the 435 mile round-trip up north to take on a Ross County side struggling with form. Ross County have had a poor start to the season in the Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight last campaign after losing out to Livingston in the play-offs. The Staggies sit 8th in the Scottish Championship with just two wins in 13 games so far. Whereas for Ayr, they sit just four goals outside the top four as the Honest Men sit 5th in the table which the visitors will certainly be content with ahead of their trip up the A9. Ross County’s only two wins come over fife sides, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. They have suffered many shock defeats this season against the like’s of Queens Park and Arbroath. The Staggies failed to make it out their Premier Sports group earlier on this campaign with Championship rivals, Partick Thistle claiming top spot. Whereas for the Honest Men, they have suffered a dip in form, failing to win in their last three following an impressive nine game unbeaten streak. Ayr did make it out their League Cup group but a defeat to Partick Thistle dumped them out. Ayr have racked up some big victories with a big away win at Raith Rovers not long ago and a 1-0 win away to Dunfermline with Scott Brown defeating his former gaffer, Neil Lennon. Last meetings Last time these sides met was at Somerset Park in September where the sides drew 1-1 with Ethan Walker putting Ayr ahead in the opening two minutes with former Ayr man, Jay Henderson levelling the game for County. Last time out Last time out for the Dingwall side, they suffered a heavy defeat in Angus with Arbroath securing a big 3-0 win over Tony Docherty’s men with Harry Cochrane, Jacob MacIntyre and Taylor Steven all on the scoresheet. For Ayr, they were on the wrong side of the result as Scott Brown suffered defeat to former gaffer, Neil Lennon and Dunfermline last Friday night with on loan Falkirk man, Barney Stewart suffering the blow for the team from Ayrshire. Stats Ross County average 1 goal a game in their last five in which they have also been given the most penalties (3) in the Scottish Championship this season so far and Trevor Carson has mad the most saves in the league so far this campaign (3.8). Ayr have also averaged 1 goal a game in their last five but haven’t scored in their last two outings. Ayr have been ranked the third best side on their travels in the Championship this season.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Slot’s men record huge Champions League Victory
An Alexis Mac Allister header gives Liverpool all three points and a famous victory at Anfield. Real Madrid travel to England to face Premier League holders, Liverpool in an eye catching tie as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to face his boyhood side. The opening start was fairly even with both sides enduring time on the ball, but failing to give either keepers any issue. Excellent pressing by Wirtz gave the hosts a big chance, Alexis Mac Allister but the midfielder was leaning back as the shot was taken on which ended going wide. It was a very passive start by the La Liga outfit but Mbappe had a star chance but just like Mac Allister, the striker was leaning back as he skied his opportunity to keep the tie on level terms. Liverpool came very close after 27 mins, a run on the right by Wirtz following a mistake by the visitors, Wirtz with a ball into Szoboszlai but Courtois making himself big to stop the Premier League side gaining a vital lead. After 30 mins, there was a penalty check for possible handball by Vinicius Junior which was originally given as a free-kick. After a lengthy check, the decision was overturned giving the Madrid side the benefit of the doubt. Szobolzlai had a chance a few minutes on but a simple stop for the Real Madrid number one. Late action in the first half as Bellingham works his way into the box, unleashing a strike which was well stopped by the feet of Mamardashvili keeping the game goalless. As both sides went into the break, Liverpool were quite clearly on top but unable to break the deadlock as both sides go in hunting for a second half goal. An early corner for the hosts, Van Dijk was up high and strong but a massive stop by Courtois to tip it over and onto the following corner, Ekitike with a strong header but yet again, Courtois to safety tipping it over the bar. Szobolzlai came close again, a powerful free-kick well punched out by Belgium international, Courtois. Alexis Mac Allister fired the Kop ahead after the hour mark, a free kick in from Szobolszlai as the Argentina international heads home from close range as Courtois is eventually beaten and the hosts get the crucial lead but VAR was ready to spoil the celebrations but after a check, the goal stood. Mbappe almost levelled the game up after 75 as a clipped shot from distance spun wide and kept Real Madrid chasing for an equaliser. Boos rang around Anfield as former red, Trent Alexander-Arnold came on for the final 10 minutes receiving a bad reception on his return but this time in Real Madrid colours as Boos rang around every time the full-back got on the ball. Real Madrid continued to try and find a goal back but failing to find any way to goal but Liverpool were still the mood for more but looked to heading towards a tight victory in Merseyside. Liverpool claimed the major win as they defeat European giants at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League. Player ratings Liverpool: Mamardasvili (8), Konate (7), Robertson (7), Van Dijk (9), Bradley (9), Szoboszlai (10), Gravenberch (8), Mac Allister (10), Wirtz (9), Ekitike (8). Subs: Gakpo (6), Jones (6), Kerkez (6), Chiesa (7). Real Madrid: Courtois (9), Valverde (7), Militao (7), Huijsen (6), Carreras (6), Tchouameni (7), Camavinga (7), Guler (7), Bellingham (8), Vinicius Junior (6), Mbappe (7). Subs: Rodrygo (6), Alexander-Arnold (6), Diaz (6).
Steve Clarke Announces Scotland Squad for Final Qualifying Double Header
Steve Clarke has named his Scotland squad ahead of the two crucial upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifying ties with both Greece and Denmark. Scotland currently sit second in their respective group with at least a play-offs spot in the bag with first place also up for grabs if the Scots’ are to draw or win over Greece and defeat Denmark in Glasgow. Steve Clarke has included Falkirk shot-stopper, Scott Bain as the Bairns keeper makes his well awaited return to the National team after impressive performances at Falkirk so far this season with Angus Gun n missing through injury. Hearts goal machine, Lawrence Shankland returns to lead the line who hasn’t played nationally in a year. The striker has been in fine form in Gorgie with 10 goals in 15 for the Scottish Premiership league leaders. Ross McCrorie also returns to the squad as the Bristol City man made his debut last year against Gibraltar who has impressed in the English Championship this campaign. Josh Doig is also back within the side after being an absentee in October through injury. Andrew Robertson the Liverpool star will be aiming to make his 90th Scotland appearance should the full-back feature in both ties. The squad in full: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers). Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassulo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (AL-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic). Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Scott McTominay (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Lennon Miller (Udinese). Forwards: Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich), Che Adams (Torino).
Aberdeen return to winning ways after big win in Ayrshire
Stuart Armstrong’s first half strike earns Aberdeen crucial win in Ayrshire and ends the Dons’ five year drought at Rugby Park It was an impressive start for the Dons, where they saw the majority of the possession. Aberdeen had a very early chance, but Jesper Karlsson’s effort was blocked. Kilmarnock soon had one of their own, from the edge of the box, but it was well saved by Mitov in goals. Aberdeen found themselves ahead after 16 minutes, Karlsson with an effort deflected off a Kilmarnock defender, where Stuart Armstrong calmly struck it into the corner of the net to send the Dons ahead. Killie had a great chance to draw level, Dackers had an attempt from close range but fired high, which should’ve rattled the back of the net. Aberdeen probably played the better football, but it’s just the one goal which separates the sides going into the break. Killie had a great chance early in the first half, Thomson with a corner into the box, and Deas with a simple tap in at the back post but smashed it high and misses as the ball came quickly at him. Robbie Deas had the ball in the net, a short free kick from Thomson clipped onto Polworth, who whipped it into the box, but Brad Lyons, who put the ball into Deas, found himself offside. Zac Williams nearly had the hosts level again, but a header was saved comfortably by Mitov in goals. Kilmarnock came close once again in the final 15, a corner in from Dominic Thomson, and Lyons coming in quickly with his heading, firing wide of goal. Aberdeen were having to defend well in the latter stages as Kilmarnock were looking very confident in grabbing an equaliser as the hosts piled on the pressure. The home side were piling on the pressure but just weren’t managing to get the ball into the net as the Dons continued to defend for their lives. There were penalty claims by Killie after Dackers was taken down by the goal scorer, Armstrong, but nothing given. The full-time whistle went, as the Dons will be very glad the whistle went, but a crucial three points for Aberdeen as Jimmy Thelin takes the vital win back up to Pittodrie. Player Ratings: Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 6, Stranger 7, Deas 8, Williams 6, Brannan 6, Watson 6, Lyons 7, Polworth 6, Thomson 7, Dackers 6, Kiltie 6. Subs: John-Jules 6, McKenzie 6, Tiffony 6, Anderson 6. Aberdeen: Mitov 8, Devlin 7, Milne 8, Knoester 7, Jensen 7, Shinnie 7, Polvara 7, Lobban 7, Karlsson 8, Lazetic 6, Armstrong 9. Subs: Nisbet 6.
Jimmy Thelin and Aberdeen make the trip to Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock
Aberdeen make a trip to Ayrshire in which has proven tough for the Dons’ as pressure mounts on Jimmy Thelin. Kilmarnock haven’t started badly so far this campaign as the Ayrshire side sit 8th only two points off of top six. However, they have only picked up two league wins this season with four draws and three defeats for the Ayrshire side. Aberdeen on the other hand, they have had a poor start to the season as the Dons’ sit 11th just one point off of bottom of the league Livingston. They have also just had the two wins as well the one draw and six defeats in the process. Pressure has been building on Jimmy Thelin since Sunday as Killie look to continue to put the pressure on Jimmy. Form Kilmarnock have lost their last two matches despite them being very tough. The Rugby Park outfit lost to league leaders, Hearts 3-0 before being defeated to Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. Their last league victory came at the start of October, defeating St Mirren 2-0. Aberdeen however, they were defeated at home to Hibernian 2-1 in a game which was full of drama with Hibs showing their class in the Granite City. Aberdeen picked up their only two wins recently defeating Dundee 4-0 and a very last gasp winner by Marko Lazetic to secure the win at St Mirren. Last meeting The last time these sides met, Aberdeen ran away 1-0 winners in February thanks to a late Oday Dabbagh goal securing Aberdeen the win. The last meeting in Ayrshire between the sides, Killie won 4-0 on Boxing Day last year to give the Killie support a late Christmas gift. Aberdeen have had very bad luck in Ayrshire as the Dons’ haven’t manage to secure a win at Rugby Park since 2020 with Ryan Hedges and Sam Cosgrove sealing a 2-0 against 10 man Killie. Stats Kilmarnock have found their shooting boots, scoring 7 goals in their last five. The sides have not drawn in the last 13 meetings. Aberdeen have netted on 8 occasions in their last 5. On loan winger, Karlsson has created the most chances for the Dons’ (4). Killie top goal scorer is David Watson with three goals and Lazetic for the visitors with two goals. In this meeting, Aberdeen have won 52, Kilmarnock have won 36 as well as 23 draws. Kilmarnock have won their last four home meetings with Aberdeen although Stuart Kettlewell has lost 8 in his last 11 meetings with Aberdeen.
