On Thursday evening Ian Baraclough talked about the "strong mentality" needed to recover from the drubbing from an Accies side that "outworked us". "I know more about the players now. I need to get more from them".
The only players he credited were Thomas and Cadden as their work rate impressed. As a result it would be no surprise if we see the first substantial change to the starting eleven since the new man took charge. O'Brien is likely to be restored to the centre of defence but Ramsden's substitution after only 7 minutes suggests that he'll be on the sidelines. Hammell's disappearance at half time may have been tactical.
We last faced a team at the top of the table in early November just after McCall's departure. The players delivered a full bloodied effort and were rewarded with a 1-0 victory over Dundee United. A similar performance will be needed on Sunday.
Aberdeen are flying at the moment. They have won their last six league games without conceding a goal and as Celtic's game was postponed on Thursday, they top the table. Could this be the time when the lavish praise that the media have lavished on the Dons in recent seasons is justified?
After their win over St Johnstone McInness said, "We're just enjoying it. It is important not to look ahead of ourselves as we've been in this game long enough to know a slap in the face is always round the corner."
With Rooney, Pawlett and Goodwillie on form it is important that our defence is error free. At the other end we'll have to halt their run of clean sheets. Both of these tasks will demand a huge change in attitude. The bookies think that's unlikely and a home win can be backed at 5/1.
The away support will come to Fir Park expecting to see their team stretch the gap at the top of the table and, more likely than not, they will return home happy. For Motherwell this season the competition is with those at the other end and that will not be helped by a 2-0 loss.