St Johnstone’s desire for a win will be just as high as title-chasing Aberdeen’s, Perth boss Tommy Wright insisted.
After the Dons’ comprehensive midweek defeat of Celtic and the cutting of the gap between the clubs to just three points, talk of a realistic league challenge to the champions has never been louder.
But Saints are determined to secure the three points for their own cause – ending a seven-game winless run and putting League Cup disappointment behind them.
“We always relish every game,” Wright said. “I would imagine they will bring a good crowd on the back of the midweek result and there will be a good atmosphere.
“They will be wanting three points but so do we for obvious reasons.
“I know the last game will be brought up but that has no bearing on this one. The squads have changed. They were maybe in a dip and we are in a wee dip at the minute.
“Wednesday proves goals change games and while we played well in the 5-1 game we got goals at a good time. We have to take the positives from that game and try to replicate the performance this weekend.
“We know we have to do better on the ball than in recent weeks to give us an opportunity to go and win games.”
Wright was a Pittodrie on Wednesday night to check out Derek McInnes’s men, and he was understandably impressed by what he saw.
“Celtic started the game very well and looked a bit more composed,” he said. “But Aberdeen got an incredible goal from Hayes, which he is capable of. Goals change games and they controlled it after that.
“They could have scored three or four goals and fully deserved their win. It showed what a good side they are.
“I know Hearts have signed well in the window but I feel Aberdeen are the club best equipped to challenge Celtic given Derek’s experience as a manager and the experience in the squad.
“They were runners-up last season so they have that experience, unlike Hearts.
“Because of the success on the pitch Derek has earned the right to go and try to get Greg Tansey in and bring in a player like Simon Church from MK Dons who is going to the Euros.
“They look as though they are going from strength to strength.
“And they are trying to put as much pressure as they can on Celtic.
“It will be interesting if it become really tight because Celtic haven’t experienced a tight title race and the pressure could revert back onto them more if Aberdeen stay in touch.
“In recent years they have won the league at a canter but it doesn’t look like that this season.”