Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes his side can build on their morale-boosting victory over leaders Celtic by addressing their poor record against St Johnstone.
The Dons have won only one of their previous seven encounters with the Perth Saints and were thrashed 5-1 at Pittodrie when the sides last met in October.
However, McInnes’ side go into this match brimming with confidence after extending their unbeaten league run to 11 matches with a 2-1 win against Celtic. But the Aberdeen manager knows his Reds will have their work cut out to redress their dismal run against the Saints.
He said: “Over the last two seasons St Johnstone have managed to cause us problems. They are a good side, they have been in the top half of the table, won a cup and been in Europe over the last few seasons.
“They are a consistent, good side. Tommy Wright has a lot of good boys to work with there.
“We know that when we are up against good teams, very rarely can we not perform at our best and get results. St Johnstone would come into that category.
“There has been a lot of draws in that sequence but they have managed to beat us and we know what we will face on Saturday.
“They know they can beat us and if they play well they will have every chance. It will be a tough game but one we have to look forward to.
“We are unbeaten in the league for three months. That’s good form and it’s important we maintain that, work hard and if we can then we will get the results we are looking for.”
McInnes may have masterminded a first Pittodrie double over Celtic since 1991 but the Aberdeen manager admits he hasn’t had time to savour the moment.
He said: “I don’t think managers get to enjoy it too much. It’s just the way it is.
“As soon as a game is over you can maybe enjoy the immediate aftermath of a result and watching your players celebrate and everyone getting a reward for all the work that goes in. That is what we are here for.
“It is very short-lived in our industry.
“You have to make sure you are ready for the next one because a defeat is just around the next corner if you don’t keep your focus and look towards the next challenge.”