No time is being wasted at Pittodrie as Aberdeen reveal their pre-season schedule – and it includes a trip to Portugal.
The Dons claimed third spot in the Scottish Premiership, but must until after Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final to learn whether they will be guaranteed European group stage football. Should Celtic win and compete the Treble, then Reds will enter the Europa League at the playoff stage, knowing if they are knocked out, they will drop straight into the Europa Conference League group stage. If Inverness CT pull off one of the biggest cup shocks of all time, then it’s the Europa Conference League third round qualifier for Barry Robson and his men.
Firstly, Aberdeen will jet off to Portugal for a week of warm weather training. Then it’s back to reality against nearby Turiff United for another friendly then the short journey to Fraserburgh. A slightly longer trip to London for a game against Charlton Athletic at the Valley follows.
Further scheduled fixtures are only likely to be confirmed when they know for sure when exactly the European campaign will get underway. A Hoops win at Hampden gives them more breathing space, with the latter of the Europa League qualifiers not starting until midway through August.
The ECL third qualifying round is a week before then, so still after the Scottish Premiership season gets under way, although it will make for a busy schedule that Robson will have to build a squad to cope with.
Confirmed pre-season matches
Wednesday, July 12 v Turriff United FC, KO 7.45pm
Saturday, July 15 v Fraserburgh FC, KO 3.00pm
Saturday, July 29 v Charlton Athletic FC, KO 1.00pm
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