Ventspils manager Paul Ashworth has warned his side there is more to Aberdeen than aerial ability as they prepare to face the Dons at Pittodrie.
Englishman Ashworth will take his club to Aberdeen on Thursday for the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
Ventspils won 4-0 on aggregate following consecutive 2-0 wins against Faroese side Vikingur but Ashworth, whose brother Dan is technical director at the FA and will lead the search for Roy Hodgson’s successor as England manager, said: “Not only are Aberdeen strong in the air, they are a skilful side which likes to play down the flanks. They’re fast, dangerous and play at a high standard.
“We have to be ready for this. We will study Aberdeen in detail, try to analyse them and think about how we can deprive their key players space.”
Ashworth was surprised by the Dons’ 1-0 loss to Fola Esch in the second leg in Luxembourg on Thursday, but does not expect it to be a factor in the second-round encounter.
He said: “It would be a mistake to think Aberdeen losing makes them vulnerable, but anything is possible.
“I saw Aberdeen’s first game against Fola Esch and will watch the second so we will know everything about them.
“What I do know is playing Aberdeen will be a great experience for everyone at the club as they are a well-known club with a big reputation.
“Clearly, I’m particularly interested to play a Scottish team and I know the atmosphere will be great.
“I expect we’ll play in front of a crowd of around 15,000 which will be a great experience for my side.
“European football takes a lot out of players emotionally and physically but we will be ready for the game.”