While a loss would not rule us out of contention, it would certainly make life very hard for us. Indeed, it is not so much that losing would end our chances but rather it would be such a big missed opportunity to improve our position significantly and it is doubtful we would recover. A win for us would not only kill off Aberdeen's lingering ambitions but our other rivals – Inverness, St Johnstone and Hibs – host three teams from the top five – Celtic, Kilmarnock and Hearts respectively – and points are almost certain to be dropped.
Motherwell v Aberdeen in September 2010
The Dons normally carry a decent away support but it will be nowhere near the terrific numbers that travelled from Dundee for the cup replay. Those in charge of our game need to note that a combination of low prices, no TV and an important game delivered a big crowd.
The manager again faces a difficult choice with regards team selection. We have been so inconsistent from one game to the next it should almost be encouraged to change a winning eleven rather than keep them together. With that in mind Craigan may come back in, especially if Hammell played when not fully fit on Wednesday, and it may be worth protecting Jeffers depending on the severity of his hamstring tweak. One enforced change will be made as Jennings starts a lengthy ban which will take him all the way to the cup semi final.
Aberdeen do not have their problems to seek as with Diamond suspended their midfield engine room is missing completely, as both Folly and Hartley are among the injured. They really need to go for victory though so this promises to be an open game but both teams may be left frustrated in settling for a 1-1 draw which will leave our top six future wide open.