Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes expects tonight’s opponents Partick Thistle to make it into the Premiership top six for the first time this season.
McInnes is a keen admirer of the work Alan Archibald, his former Dundee United teammate, has carried out at Firhill since replacing Jackie McNamara three years ago.
Archibald has consolidated the club’s place in the top flight over the past three seasons but the Maryhill Jags have yet to finish in the top half of the table.
In-form Partick have tasted defeat only once in their previous seven matches and McInnes is well aware of the threat posed by the Jags ahead of tonight’s match at Firhill.
He said: “I think this is the best squad Alan has had in his time at Partick.
“He’s signed well and has got a real size about them now, they are a big side.
“They are impressive and with Kris Doolan and Ade Azeez they have goals in them up front.
“Azeez has come in, he’s big and powerful and has been scoring goals.
“His pace causes teams problems and he has been playing more regularly than one or two of the forwards they’ve had in the past.
“When he played against us earlier in the season he threatened to get in behind us and cause problems.
“We managed to keep him under control but the threat was there.
“Alan has got them playing a way to get the best out of them and their last two results (a 2-1 win at St Johnstone and a 2-0 win at Dundee) have been very impressive.
“Those results have taken them away from the bottom of the table but I think it’s higher up they will be looking now.
“They can finish in the top six this season because they have a strong squad.
“There is a long way to go and it’s not until after Christmas you get a feel for where a team will finish. But from what I’ve seen from Partick so far they will be there or thereabouts.”
Defender Ash Taylor could return for the Dons after missing the defeats by Celtic and Hamilton because of a thigh strain.
McInnes added: “Ash is progressing but he has a bit to do to show he’s ready for the match.
“He’s coming along nicely but we’ll have to wait and see.”