The short answer to that question is probably 'yes'. We saw last season that we often struggled to find our rhythm after European games (thrashing Inverness after Levante apart) and all but the harshest of fans would excuse the team some rustiness now. On the other hand we have Vigurs, Sutton and McFadden who can come in fresh and they should add a boost to the attack.
There would be some decisions to be made in this case as to who drops out with Angol and Carswell probably top of the list. Anier seems to have earned his starting place though so there is some tricky thinking to be done. The same applies between the posts as Nielsen's good performance in Russia certainly put pressure on Hollis but returning the latter to back-up status having done nothing wrong would contradict McCall's previous thoughts.
Aberdeen on the other hand are missing Considine and Clark who are injured though Robson is expected to shake off a knock. There team does not look hugely different to last season but early indications are that manager Derek McInnes will spur them on to greater things.
Nonetheless, there is certainly no reason for us to be scared of them. A win would confirm a marvellous start to the domestic campaign but should we settle for a 1-1 draw, few inside the home dressing room are likely to be too disappointed.
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