September proved to be a memorable month for Aberdeen – but Derek McInnes knows October could be even better for the Dons.
Aberdeen make the long journey to Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock in fine fettle thanks to last week’s Betfred Cup quarter-final win against St Johnstone and a dramatic 2-1 victory against rivals Rangers.
It meant the Dons avoided defeat throughout September with three wins and a draw from their four fixtures and they will look to keep pace with title favourites Celtic by claiming another three points at Rugby Park this afternoon.
Ross County are next up for the Dons before an eagerly anticipated Betfred Cup semi-final against Championship side Morton – with either Celtic or Rangers waiting in the final.
The Dons then travel to Hamilton on Tuesday, October 25 before welcoming Celtic to Pittodrie for the first time this season four days later.
It has the makings of another exciting month for the Dons – and McInnes is confident his side can keep the positive momentum going.
The Aberdeen manager said: “October will be a big month but it is the same as every other month at this club.
“Our season started back in June and since then there has been an importance in every game we play.
“We will want to be in good form going into a semi-final.
“We have managed to get a winning run going but we are well aware of the challenge ahead of us.”
Exciting times ahead but for now the focus is on recording a 10th successive victory against Kilmarnock.
The Dons were left with a fortnight to stew over a 4-1 defeat by Celtic and they are eager to make sure they go into the international break on a high this time around.
He added: “We are looking forward to the match.
“It’s the same three points you get for winning a game like the Rangers one.
“We have benefitted from getting a wee rest after playing three games in a week but it won’t make it any easier.
“Kilmarnock have changed a lot this season and Lee Clark has really put his own mark on the place.
“They are aggressive, hard-working, athletic and they have a really organised shape to them.
“They have scorers at the top end of the pitch, Kris Boyd is doing really well for them so far this season.
“I managed against Lee before, when he was at Birmingham, so know the kind of stamp he wants to put on a team.
“Looking at Kilmarnock this season he’s definitely doing that.”