Derek McInnes and his Aberdeen team are looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment when they take on Dundee tomorrow.
The Dons took a 2-0 lead against St Mirren on Tuesday night but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw and after the match McIness said his team need to be stronger at the back as well as more lethal in front of goal.
Tomorrow’s opponents Dundee sit just one place and three points behind the Dons and are will provide another tough test.
Dundee team news
- German striker Luka Tankulic is a doubt for Hartley’s men after picking up a knock.
- Central defender Iain Davidson will miss the game with a toe injury.
- Fellow centre half Thomas Konrad is set to return after serving a one game ban for his sending off against Dundee United.
- Peter McDonald could return to the Dens Park starting team for the first time since picking up an injury at the end of August. The striker was only fit enough for a place on Paul Hartley’s bench last week but he is expected to be fit enough to start tomorrow.
- Craig Wighton and David Clarkson are also pushing for a starting slot up front after the duo impressed in the development squad’s midweek win over Ross County, with Wighton scoring a hat trick, including a delightful volley.
Aberdeen team news
- Captain Russell Anderson has still not returned to training so will miss out again.
- Ryan Jack continues to miss out with his knee injury.
- Clark Robertson will also miss out again as he continues to recovery from his thigh injury.
- Peter Pawlett is expected to make the match after receiving treatment for the knock he took to his knee against St Mirren.
Did you know?
- Niall McGinn has scored six goals in the last four meetings between the teams
- Aberdeen have not lost against Dundee over 90 minutes in 10 years.
- Dundee’s last 90 minute victory came in December 2004 when Neil Barrett fired the only goal of the game.
- The Dens Park side did beat the Dons in extra time in the league cup in 2009, courtesy of a Leigh Griffiths strike.
Paul Hartley says
“We’re coming up against a very good Aberdeen side. I’ve seen them more than anyone this season. They should have won the game against St Mirren.
“I think the two up front for Aberdeen – Adam Rooney and David Goodwillie – have looked very good. Derek McInnes has changed it in the last couple of weeks.
“I think they’re excellent to watch and I think they’re a very good team.
“But our players are looking forward to it and are confident. We want to go into the international break with a good, positive result.”
Derek McInnes says
“Regardless of who we play I’m always focused on our performance.
“Results are determined by how we play and we need to have focus. No team wins a game just by turning up.
“We’ve carried a goal threat which is pleasing, but there are always areas where we can improve and Tuesday showed that.
“We’ve got to make the most of our opportunities to score, whether that is from open play or set-pieces and we have to keep the door shut at the other end.”