Dons’ hunt for Red October begins with visit to Rugby Park

September was memorable for Aberdeen, but manager Derek McInnes knows October could be even better.

Aberdeen take the long journey to Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock today in fine fettle thanks to last week’s Betfred Cup quarter-final win against St Johnstone and a dramatic 2-1 victory against rivals Rangers.

The Dons avoided defeat throughout September – with three wins and a draw from their four fixtures – and theywill try to keep up with title favourites Celtic by claiming another three points at Rugby Park.

Ross County are next up for the Dons before an eagerly-anticipated Betfred Cup semi- final against Championship side Morton on October 22 – with either Celtic or Rangers waiting in the final.

The Dons then travel to Hamilton on Tuesday, October 25 before welcoming Celtic to Pittodrie for the first time this season four days later.

Another exciting month for the Dons, then, and McInnes is confident his side can keep its momentum going.

He said: “October will be a big month but it is the same as every other month at this club.

“Our season started back in June and since then

“Will be a big month but it is the same as every other”

there has been an importance to every game we play.

“We want to be in good form going into the semifinal.

“We have managed to get a winning run going, but we are well aware of the challenge ahead of us.”

Exciting times, but the focus is on recording a 10th successive victory against Kilmarnock.

The Dons were left with a fortnight to stew after last month’s 4-1 defeat by Celtic and the players are eager to make sure they go into this international break on a more positive note.

The manager added: “We are looking forward to the match. It’s the same three points we get for winning a game against Rangers.

“We have benefited from getting a rest after playing three games in a week, but that won’t make it any easier.

“Kilmarnock have changed a lot this season and manager Lee Clark has really put his mark on the place.

“They are aggressive, hard-working, athletic and have a really organised shape to them.

“They have scorers at the top end of the pitch, Kris Boyd is doing really well for them.

“I managed against Lee before, when he was at Birmingham, so I know the kind of stamp he wants to put on a team.

“Looking at Kilmarnock this season, he’s definitely doing that.”

Derek McInnes