Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack is confident his side can silence the doubters with a return to winning ways against New Firm rivals Dundee United this afternoon.
The Dons will aim for a first victory in seven matches when Premiership strugglers United visit Pittodrie in the final match before an international break.
Derek McInnes’ side, a point behind second-placed Hearts, has endured a sudden and unexpected dip in form with only one point to show from a possible 15 in the league.
The 23-year-old has been as surprised as anyone by the miserable run of form, but is determined to put it right with victory against United today.
He said: “I don’t think anyone can really put their finger on it.
“We have maybe lost a bit of form and a bit of confidence.
“When we are full of confidence and on top of our game we will go on a run like we did, with the eight wins in a row, at the start of the season. We just want to get back to that.
“This squad is capable of doing that again and we hope to kick it off this weekend.”
Jack has dismissed rumours the winless sequence has sparked dressing room disharmony as “ridiculous” and insists the team is united in getting a stuttering season back in track.
After allowing a five-point lead at the top of the table to slip from their grasp, Jack says the Dons are now keen to apply the pressure on Hearts and leaders Celtic.
He added: “We have moved down in the league but it is up to us to respond. It is a challenge and we want to answer that by getting the three points and trying to get back into second place.
“Matches against Dundee United are always big games with a good atmosphere. We will look forward to it and we want to get the win.
“Looking at Dundee United over the last few seasons, everybody would have been surprised at where they are just now.
“They have lost Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven and Nadir Ciftci and they haven’t replaced them so that has had an effect. But I still think they are a good side with good players who can cause us problems. We will need to be switched on to get the win.”
Aberdeen supporters intend to pay a tribute to Bailey Gwynne with a round of applause in the 16th minute of the match.
The 16-year-old Cults Academy pupil died last week after an incident at his school.
Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been inducted into the AFC Hall of Fame.
Chairman Stewart Milne presented Ferguson with his award at a hall of fame dinner at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa as 360 guests joined the club to celebrate.