Derek McInnes has challenged his Aberdeen players to take a massive step towards their highest league finish for more than two decades before the Scottish Premiership split.
Three of Aberdeen’s four matches before the split are at home, starting with tomorrow’s visit of in-form Partick Thistle.
Third-place Caley Thistle and fourth-place Dundee United are also destined for Pittodrie, with the Reds travelling to Kilmarnock on April 12.
The Dons are closing in on a first second-place finish since 1994, while keeping the pressure on leaders Celtic, who are five points ahead with a game in hand.
However, the Aberdeen manager knows it won’t be easy if they are to augment the eight-point gap they currently enjoy over John Hughes’ Inverness.
McInnes said: “Hopefully being at home can help us but there is always an opposition trying to stop you.
“We have work to do as a team – no one is going to give us the points.
“At this stage of the season, everyone has something to play for. That is the beauty of the league at the minute.
“Partick Thistle still have points to get and we then play Inverness where the points will be vital for both teams.
“Kilmarnock are pushing for a place in the top six, while Dundee United are trying to qualify for Europe, so every game has something riding on it.
“We just have to make sure our performance over 90 minutes reflects the importance of winning the game.”
Meanwhile, the Dons are facing competition from Dundee for Arbroath midfielder Mark Whatley.
Both clubs have invited the 24-year-old, who works as a school teacher, to train with them during the Easter holidays.
Former Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin, now the Aberdeen under-20 coach, took Whatley to the Red Lichties from Lowland League side Spartans last summer.
The midfielder has already trained with the Dons this year and McInnes is understood to be keen to take another look at the one-time Raith Rovers youth player.
But both clubs may be denied seeing the player close up, with Arbroath manager Allan Moore saying: “While we would not stand in Mark’s way he is playing with a slight injury just now that needs resting between games.
“If he is not 100% he will not be training elsewhere as he will not be able to fully do himself justice and we have a crucial few games coming up.”