James McPake made two changes after Dundee's 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Dens Park before the Dee succumbed to a 3-1 Tayside derby defeat to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in their last Scottish Premiership match. Paul McGowan retained his place in a three man midfield, after coming on as a substitute against Rangers, replacing young Max Anderson to slot in alongside Jordan McGhee and Shaun Byrne. Jason Cummings also made a cameo as a substitute at Dens against the reigning champions and missed a penalty against his former employers. However, in the absence of the injured Leigh Griffiths, he kept his place up front. Stephen Glass made three changes after Aberdeen lost a topsy-turvy clash against St Mirren in Paisley, before a late bitter blow in their 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie to Celtic prior to the international break. Club captain Joe Lewis was dropped, as backup goalkeeper Gary Woods was handed his first start between the sticks this season. Teddy Jenks was suspended after his sending off against Saints, Matty Longstaff taking his place. Ryan Hedges missed the Celtic clash through injury, but could be back for this one, as Wolves loanee Austin Samuels took his spot on the right hand side. He and Jonny Hayes looked to support lone striker Christian Ramirez in attack.