Aberdeen play host to Hamilton Academical on Tuesday evening looking to move into third position in the Scottish Premiership table.
Meanwhile, the visitors travel to Pittodrie having lost three of their last four matches, a run which has led to them occupying bottom spot.
Match preview
© Reuters
After their season was disrupted by coronavirus issues at the beginning of the campaign, Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes struggled to hide his frustration amid concerns that all of his pre-season planning had been for nothing.
However, the Dons have been brilliant on the domestic front since their second outing on August 20, claiming 19 points from a possible 24.
The 3-0 reverse at home to Motherwell has proven to be a blip, and Aberdeen now find themselves in a position where they can move to within three points of second-placed Celtic.
The departure of Scott McKenna to Nottingham Forest came as a blow to McInnes when he would have hoped to have kept the Scotland international for the rest of the season.
Nevertheless, Aberdeen have conceded just once in their last three fixtures, a sign that the rest of their backline are ready to step up to the mark on a regular basis.
As for Hamilton, shipping five goals to a St Johnstone outfit which had previously lost four matches in succession has left Brian Rice with much to ponder ahead of this contest.
The Accies have now let in 21 strikes in 10 games, by far the worst ratio in the division, and a solution needs to be found for their defensive third of the pitch.
On a positive note, only Rangers have prevented Hamilton from scoring in their last seven league fixtures, an indication that they have the potential to trouble the majority of teams in the top flight.
Six of their seven points this season have been recorded on the road with victories coming at Motherwell and Livingston respectively.
Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form: WWLWWD
Aberdeen form (all competitions): WLLWWD
Hamilton Academical Scottish Premiership form: LWLDLL
Hamilton Academical form (all competitions): LDLLWL
Team News
© Reuters
Rice will almost certainly hand a recall to Ronan Hughes, who netted twice after coming off the substitutes' bench against St Johnstone.
Callum Smith and Ben Stirling may also be provided with opportunities after their appearances at the weekend.
Given the short turnaround, McInnes may consider making numerous changes to his Aberdeen side for Tuesday's fixture.
Ryan Edmondson and Niall McGinn could come back into the first XI, while Funso Ojo is an option in the centre of midfield.
Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Hoban, Taylor, Considine; McGinn, McCrorie, Ferguson, Hayes; Wright; Hedges, Watkins
Hamilton Academical possible starting lineup:
Fulton; Stirling, Odoffin, Want, Forsyth; Munro, Callachan, Hughes, Martin; Ogkmpoe, Moyo
We say: Aberdeen 4-1 Hamilton Academical
Despite being held to a goalless draw at the weekend, everything points to Aberdeen making light work of their next opponents. Although we expect the visitors to get on the scoresheet, they may struggle to keep the goals down at the other end of the pitch.
