Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has warned his players to expect a fired-up Dundee eager to make amends after last week’s Scottish Cup exit when the sides meet at Pittodrie tonight.
The teams enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Scottish Cup last Saturday, with the Dons easing to a 4-0 victory against Stranraer, while the Dark Blues slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home against the Championship’s bottom side St Mirren.
Dundee have not won on the road since a 1-0 victory at Hamilton in October, their only away win since an opening-day success against Ross County at Dingwall.
But McInnes, who has never tasted a league defeat against Dundee, said: “Whether Dundee won or lost last weekend we still expected a tough game this week.
“It was a surprising result because Paul has them sitting in the middle of the table. But I think you have to question whether the winter break played a part in it?
“I was surprised that they went out but it doesn’t change our thinking because although we have a good record against us the games have always been very competitive.
“Paul Hartley has done a very good job at Dundee and we have always had to fight for everything we’ve had.
“That will be no different this time.”
There is an optimistic mood around Pittodrie following the loan signing of Celtic attacking midfielder Ryan Christie and vice-captain Graeme Shinnie agreeing a contract extension until 2019.
McInnes added: “There is no doubt my dressing-room got a lift from Graeme re-signing and Ryan Christie walking in the door. It has been a good few days for us.
“I always enjoy Friday night games and we have a good record under the lights at Pittodrie.
“We know it will be a tough game but we will try to make it five wins out of five and continue our winning sequence.”
