Back to our roots



After getting back to winning ways last Saturday, Inverness travel to Pittodrie to take on a stop-start Aberdeen who have yet to get up to speed in their Premiership campaign.

It was at Pittodrie that Inverness started their SPL life before we managed to change the rules, and where we recorded our first win. Oh my, how times have changed as we sit at the top of the table some ten years on from Stuart Golabeck's goal that started it all.

Ach well, nostalgia; it's not what it used to be.

The Dons breezed past Livingston in the League Cup in midweek thanks to an Adam Rooney hat-trick, but the gloss was taken off that win when Ryan Jack was stretchered from the park after 70 minutes with a serious looking knee injury. Inverness had the week off after losing to The Rangers the previous week.

Aberdeen's league form has been consistently erratic. LWLWLW, which means they are due a loss this weekend. If only it were as simple as that. They are seven points behind Inverness, having played one game less. In terms of goals scored and goals conceded, there's not a lot between the sides. Aberdeen trounced Loss County last Saturday, scoring three going on eight, whilst Inverness were getting the better of St Johnstone after a rather lethargic first half.

Aberdeen's big signing coup over the summer was David Goodwillie's return to Scotland after a less than auspicious spell over the border at Blackburn and Blackpool. Goodwillie was back on loan at Tannadice where he scored six goals in twenty two appearances last season. A mini exodus at the end of last season saw Josh Magennis go to Kilmarnock, Scott Vernon leave for Shrewsbury Town and Calvin Zola head for Stevenage. Others no longer at Pittodrie are keepers Nicky Weaver and Craig Burns, defenders Scott Rumsby and Joe Shaughnessy (loan to Falkirk), and midfielders Matthew McMahon, and Alan O'Sullivan. Defender Alan Tate has returned to Swansea. To counterbalance those departures, in came goalkeeper Scott Brown from Cheltenham, defenders Ash Taylor (Tranmere), Shaleum Logan (permanent signing Brentford) and midfielder Jeffrey Monakana (Brighton).

Who's turning it on for the Dons: A trio of former Inverness hero's are playing a big part. Adam Rooney scored his second Dons hat-trick in the game against Livingston, that's four goals in two games and is worth keeping a close watch on, along with wide player Jonny Hayes and the evergreen Barry Robson who exudes class and can strike a dead ball as sweet as anyone. David Goodwillie is starting to return the faith shown in him by Derek McInnes and has scored a couple of goals this season as he gets up to full speed.

Crocks Corner
Aberdeen will be without experienced defender Russell Anderson who had minor knee surgery a few weeks ago and is not ready to return and fellow full back Clark Robertson. Ryan Jack is out after his injury in midweek and Niall McGinn is doubtful, but will be given every chance to make the squad. Jack's injury is not as serious as initially thought although he will be out for a few weeks,

Inverness are still without the services of Richie Foran. Aaron Doran has been treated for a slight knock, but is expected to be fit enough  for the trip this weekend. James Vincent could be added to the squad.

Derek McInnes looks forward to the game...............

tm4tj Prediction:- It's another tough one to call this week but Inverness could get the better of Aberdeen as the Dons struggle to put two results together which leaves them seven points behind their Highland opponents. Our passing game has been our strength this season and if we can cope with the Aberdeen strikeforce which has scored seven goals in their last two games and get Billy McKay back amongst the goals then it could be a good day out on Saturday. 1-2 is my my best guess.