Hamilton Accies may have gone nine games without a victory but Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has warned his players they will come unstuck against Martin Canning’s men for a second time this season if they aren’t at their best.
Accies, who visit Pittodrie this afternoon, haven’t won in the Scottish Premiership since downing the Dons 1-0 on October 25.
Accies have become the draw specialists in Scotland’s top flight with 10 of their 19 matches ending in a stalemate and have dropped to second bottom after three defeats on the spin.
There is no chance of the Dons taking this evening’s challenge lightly, according to the Aberdeen manager, pictured, who said: “We know exactly what to expect from Hamilton.
“They haven’t lost many games this season, they are very competitive and we have to be ready.
“They have drawn loads of games which shows how competitive they are.
“Our game against them was similar. They got a penalty that wasn’t and had something to hold on to. We threw a lot at them in the second half but they held on.
“Everybody expects a tough game against Hamilton and it seems to be tougher away from home.
“We have beaten them every time at Pittodrie since they came back up. But although we may have a strong record against them, we are well aware of how competitive they are.”
McInnes was delighted with Northern Ireland international Niall McGinn’s contribution in Friday’s 3-1 victory at Motherwell.
The midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the season, netted the third goal for the Dons, his 62nd in 200 competitive appearances for Aberdeen.
McInnes added: “Niall is always a threat. He has so much quality and his set-piece delivery was excellent as well. He could have had plenty of assists against Motherwell and the finish for his goal was top drawer. He has that class and has done it time and again for us over those 200 games.
“I was very pleased with our performance against Motherwell. We had to defend well in difficult, windy conditions.
“We didn’t want the ball to be off the deck too much and tried to get the ball down on the ground when possible and pass it about.
“Our midfield three of Ryan Jack, Graeme Shinnie and Kenny McLean were excellent.
“They recognised the right times to play and also did the dirty side of the game well and I was delighted we managed to win a tough game.”