Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is demanding an improved display from his men as they bid to extend an unbeaten run that stands at four games.
The Dons face St Mirren at Pittodrie today after a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone on Sunday – held by a Saints team that finished with nine men.
St Mirren head north after a 2-1 defeat by Hibs on Tuesday, with Jim Goodwin’s side one of four teams tied on 11 points at the foot of the Premiership. They did, however, inflict a 1-0 defeat on the Dons in August, with Ilkay Durmus scoring the only goal.
McInnes said: “I’ve watched them in their last two games. I thought they were unlucky against Hibs. They had the two best chances, prior to Hibs scoring.
“A combination of good defending and not taking their chances has cost them. Watching the game, box-to-box, they were very good against Hibs. They were very compact, very organised and I don’t think there’ll be any real surprises when they come up here.
“They will be solid, try and frustrate, and it’s up to us to move the ball and play with speed. We’ve also got to have enough patience to find the answer.
“Hopefully with the support behind the team, the level of performance is better than it was against St Johnstone and we can get another three points to add to the unbeaten run we’re on at the minute.”
Aberdeen midfielder Craig Bryson is an injury doubt for today’s visit of the Buddies. Summer signing Bryson was victim of a nasty challenge from St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson, which saw the Saints man dismissed before team-mate Callum Hendry suffered the same fate.
Bryson, who has had ankle problems already this season, was sent for a scan after Sunday’s game. He has taken no part in training this week.
McInnes said: “The scan was on his original ankle that he had injured. It showed nothing too significant. It didn’t help matters.
“He’s not been able to train with us yet. He’s done some pitch work with the physio on Thursday morning and we’ll see how he reacts to that before we can make an assessment whether he’s available for the weekend.”
Defender Zak Vyner, pictured left, on loan from Bristol City, returns to the squad after missing the St Johnstone game.