Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes he has assembled his strongest squad since taking charge at Pittodrie.
The Dons finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season with 75 points – a record points total for a team other than Celtic or Rangers.
McInnes has recruited former Caley Thistle defender Graeme Shinnie, Ross County defender Paul Quinn and on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward during the summer transfer window.
And the Aberdeen manager feels this is his strongest team since replacing Craig Brown two years ago.
He said: “The challenge is to improve on last season. In comparison to the squad I inherited and the couple of squads I have put together over the seasons, I think this one is better but we still have it all to prove.
“The challenge is there for everybody, from the players to the staff and the supporters, to play their part.
“We want to get that momentum by continuing to win games and keep the demand on ourselves to improve.
“The squad is tighter in terms of number, but I believe it is better than last season.
“We feel we can cope with the demands on us. Hopefully we can see that in the performances and results as the season goes along.”
McInnes’ Dons exited the Europa League last week at the hands of Kazakh club Kairat Almaty, but they have made a perfect start to the league campaign after beating Dundee United and Kilmarnock.
The Aberdeen manager added: “It’s not a totally satisfying start to the season as we wanted to go a bit further in Europe.
“In terms of the league, coming back off two demanding games against Kairat, the application and focus from the players has been spot on.
“We managed to make some changes which helped us. I’ve learned from that and have players who can keep that high level of performance.”
Goalkeeper Jamie Langfield, who left Aberdeen on Tuesday after a decade of service, will be joined by a familiar face if his move to St Mirren is concluded as attacker Lawrence Shankland is set to join Ian Murray’s side on loan.
Shankland has been in demand this summer from both Dumbarton and the Saints however a move was delayed while McInnes’ side were in Europe.
With Kairat ending their Europa League campaign last week talks over a loan deal for the 20-year-old have stepped up, with Saints manager Murray hopeful a deal can be concluded before Saturday’s game against Dumbarton.