Matches against Aberdeen are usually hard fought with little separating the teams. Both contests so far this season have ended in draws and with both clubs challenging for the top six, another tight encounter will be expected.
Ruddy in action at Pittodrie
The Dons jumped us in the table in mid-week courtesy of their goal-fest in Edinburgh and they will have their sights set on Dundee United and Hibs in the European spots. Anything less than a win at home to Motherwell will presumably be viewed as a disappointment although player for player they certainly are not significantly better than us.
The hosts will be without Aluko and Considine once more who remain injured while Pawlett may also miss out. It would be a surprise if they change their starting eleven from Wednesday which means Diamond may be on the bench again.
Ruddy and Jutkiewicz will not be playing their farewell games after extending their loans until the end of the season and with only Hutchison injured the squad is relatively healthy. Coke will sit out through an enforced suspension while Slane will be left at home unless he relents and signs a new contract.
A win here would give us a huge boost in the fight for the top six and would keep the door to Europe open, if only by a fraction. A loss would be a blow but hopefully it will not come to that and another 0-0 draw will see us come home (relatively) happy.