There is certainly no reason why we shouldn’t win this game but victory will not arrive with a performance similar to that produced on Friday. That display was too passive, lacking in invention and defensively, once more, utterly shambolic. Improvements are needed all over the pitch with Cummins a candidate to come into the defence while Ramsden, if not dropped, could move into midfield. Law was by no means the worst at St Mirren but questions have to be asked over whether we do not sacrifice too much creativity in having him as a deep lying ball player.
Hammell receives cheers after last season's goal v Aberdeen
Humphrey and Murphy will come under scrutiny on either flank while Ojamaa could well be relocated to either the bench or the left wing. It is hard to see Higdon being dropped but after McHugh’s two successful appearances as an impact substitute, we must surely find a way to include him in the starting eleven.
Aberdeen have been inconsistent as well this season but like us they tend to prefer playing away from home where they can sit in and there is less pressure to dominate proceedings. They cuffed us in the cup earlier in the month but have not defeated us in the league in several years, so it is unlikely they will travel full of confidence.
This is a game we really should be looking to win to get back on track, and though it may not be pretty, we can hope to come out on top with a 1-0 triumph.