The Dons saw their impressive 12-game unbeaten run come to an end when they were dumped out of the cup on penalties by Saints, who will meet Celtic in the last four. Aberdeen then went on to lose at Ross County last weekend and Lennon knows they will be seeking a positive response in Saturday's Paisley clash. However, having endured a disappointing spell in the SPL recently, the Buddies boss is also eyeing this fixture as the match which can kickstart his own team's campaign again. Lennon said:
"They will still be bitter over the cup game and they lost on Saturday again after their unbeaten run.
"We are suffering from four defeats on the trot in the SPL so both teams will want to get back on track as quickly as possible.
"It's got the makings of a great game.
"We've done particularly well against Aberdeen in the last few meetings and we look for that to remain intact, and we look to bring our best out again on Saturday."
The cup win over Aberdeen has been the only highlight in a run which has included losses to St Johnstone, Celtic, Dundee United and Hibernian. Lennon added:
"We are ever so close at this moment in time.
"Our level of performance has been decent but we are certainly suffering results-wise.
"There are a few things that haven't been going in our favour.
"I'm not one for making excuses but we are missing one or two key players and big refereeing decisions are going against us at the moment.
"If we stick together and continue to work as hard as we have done, I'm sure those things will turn for us."
Saints will be without suspended skipper Jim Goodwin following his red card in the 2-1 defeat to Hibs. Lennon said:
"We are already missing two influential players for us just now, never mind one being out.
"When that happens, the full squad is affected. We have Paul McGowan and Darren McGregor out.
"Now we're missing Jim Goodwin on Saturday. For whatever reason, we really don't know.
"I know what type of player Jim is, he brings so much quality and leadership to our team and he's going to be a sore miss.
"But what it certainly does bring is a wonderful opportunity for somebody else to step up to the mark."
Source: team_talk
