Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes taking on Caley Thistle in Inverness is one of his side’s toughest games of the season.
That assessment is perhaps unsurprising given the Dons lost both matches at the Caledonian Stadium last term with a 2-1 reverse last September followed by a painful 3-1 defeat in February when a victory would have taken McInnes’ side level on points with leaders Celtic.
This Saturday’s meeting will be Aberdeen’s final match before the Betfred Cup final against Celtic on November 27 and Dons manager McInnes is wary of a Caley Jags side that have impressed in recent games.
After a sluggish start to the season, Richie Foran’s side have been one of the form teams in the Scottish Premiership having lost only once in nine matches before succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at Celtic park before the international break.
McInnes said: “Inverness was certainly a tough place to go last year.
“I think we had a very good record against Inverness both home and away in our first two seasons.
“But that wasn’t so much the case last season.
“Hopefully we can bring a performance that helps us win the game.
“I think going to Inverness is up there with some of the toughest away games we face in the league.
“They have been the one team in the league that has taken points off Celtic this season and their only two defeats in last 10 matches came against Celtic and Rangers.
“That shows how well they have been doing.”
Aberdeen are without a win in four matches against Inverness but they head into this one in confident mood after a hard-earned 2-1 success at Partick Thistle before the international break.
And McInnes is keen to keep the positive momentum going ahead of their Hampden date with Celtic.
He said: “We want to follow up a good victory at Firhill a couple of weeks ago with a similar type of performance that gets the job done.
“We know how tough a game it is going to be but it is one we are looking forward to nonetheless.
“I’m pretty sure we will take a big support so there is plenty riding on the game for us.”