Aberdeen take on Hibs at Pittodrie on Saturday and Derek McInnes’ side need all three points to keep their hopes of finishing third alive.
With Motherwell beating Ross County 4-1 in midweek, Stephen Robinson’s men have now opened up a three-point gap between the teams in the Premiership table.
Aberdeen could only manage a 2-2 draw against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, although the Dons were two down and could easily have come away with nothing.
With just one league win to their name in 2020 so far, form is not on Aberdeen’s side, but Hibs come to Pittodrie licking their wounds after a dismal midweek showing against Hearts.
Here’s how McInnes may set his team up for the visit of Jack Ross’ sixth-placed side.
4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper – Lewis
Having made no fewer than 41 appearances in all competitions so far (including Europa League qualifying back in July and August), captain Joe Lewis is sure to start between the sticks.
Defence – Logan, Taylor, Devlin, Considine
Scott McKenna’s injury absence is a big blow for Aberdeen and in midweek, Mikey Devlin was the man to replace the 23-year-old at Rugby Park.
It was not the most convincing of partnerships, with Killie often able to carve he and Ash Taylor open, but McInnes doesn’t really have too many other options.
Andy Considine has played as a left-sided centre-half in a back three on several occasions this term, which could be an alternative for the manager to consider.
Midfield – McLennan, Ojo, McGinn, Ferguson, Kennedy
Connor McLennan was a bright spark on Wednesday and got a goal and an assist which dragged the Dons to a point – his showing may help him retain his place ahead of Ryan Hedges.
Livewire Matty Kennedy continues to impress at Pittodrie after arriving in January and could be key to opening Hibs up at the back, while McLennan will also be a threat on the opposite flank.
McGinn operated centrally against Kilmarnock and could work the areas around the main striker as an advanced midfielder.
Attack – Main
Curtis Main may lead the line again on Saturday, with McInnes confirming top scorer Sam Cosgrove missed the Killie clash due to suffering a back spasm.
The Dons will surely be giving their man every chance to play but with such a quick turnaround, it would be no surprise to see him either out of the squad again or on the bench.
Should Main get the nod, he’ll hope to continue his decent form of late of two goals in the last four Premiership matches.