Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has challenged his players to make Pittodrie a fortress again.
The Dons endured a frustrating home campaign last season, winning just nine of their 18 matches at Pittodrie. It was a stark contrast to their outstanding away form where they boasted the best away record in the top flight, winning two points more than champions Celtic.
But with two home wins out of two so far in the Premiership McInnes wants to see his team restore the reputation of the club’s home being a daunting venue for opposing teams.
He said: “We have been clear that if we want to do what we want to do then our home form has to improve.
“It has to get back to what it had been every season until the last one.
“In comparison to previous years it wasn’t good enough and for any team to do what we want to do, you have to win the majority of your home matches.
“We have to make sure we’re better at home, we enjoy playing at home and don’t lose as many poor goals.
“We want to have more control of home games and impose ourselves more.
“In the games against Hearts and Ross County we have scored six goals, but more than that it has given us the kind of performances we’re looking for.”
St Johnstone are the latest club bidding to become the first side to avoid defeat at Aberdeen in the campaign when they head north today.
Tommy Wright’s side prop up the division following two draws and two defeats in their opening four matches but McInnes expects Saints to bounce back although he is planning on their wait for a win continuing beyond today.
He said: “The League Cup can put a lot of teams under pressure quickly, especially when you don’t have your recruitment done.
“If you’re not right you can go out and it can have a bearing on your league form.
“One thing about St Johnstone is when they have a spell like this one you always feel like they’ll come out of it.
“They have been boosted by getting some good players in the building before the window closed.
“Tommy has good options now and he will be happier with the squad now compared to a few weeks ago.
“I always liked Jason Holt, he will give them good energy in there and they’ve brought in Stevie May, obviously.
“And in Anthony Ralston they’ve signed someone who has played at a good level for Celtic.
“So the additions they’ve made will make them stronger.”