Hamilton lost by a single goal at Pittodrie on Tuesday but they had the home side pinned back in the closing minutes as they pushed for an equaliser. McGovern produced a couple of fine saves to keep them in the match and if had not been for Gordon's rash action that conceded a penalty they might have taken something from the game.
A rare sight!
That result leaves the Accies three points ahead of us and just within touching distance but if we are to join them on the 10 point mark we will have to score, something that we have failed to do at NDP since Murphy and Jutkiewicz earned us a 2-2 draw in November 2009.
The familiar Nade will keep our central defenders occupied while the threat of Crawford's long range efforts will be of interest to our midfield. Both have a couple of goals on their accounts already.
We'll have to wait to see if the artificial surface will have any bearing on the team selected by Ian Baraclough. It is a pitch that a few of our more senior players don't favour.
Louis Moult will hope to score his fifth in five but there will be a decision to be made about a striking partner for our leading scorer. Robinson worked well with him when he replaced McDonald at half time last week, did he impress enough to get a start?
The latest recruit to the ranks will surely not be preferred to Ripley between the sticks. Samson brings a wealth of experience but he'll have to wait for his chance.
If go into this match with the belief that we are the better team and translate that into action we may come away smiling after a 2-1 win.