Aberdeen host Motherwell in a key Scottish Premiership clash on Boxing Day.
Both sides harbour hopes of qualifying for the Europa League and come into the game in good form. Aberdeen defeated Inverness in a 4-3 thriller last time out, while Motherwell served up a convincing 3-0 victory over St Mirren at Fir Park.
Dons manager Derek McInnes has something of a defensive crisis developing, with Mark Reynolds, Andrew Considine and Clark Robertson all sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Motherwell goalkeeper and Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen returns to the squad, but fellow stopper Lee Hollis and striker Lee Erwin remain out.
Both managers praised their opponents in their pre-match press conferences. McInnes said: "Motherwell have been very consistent over the last few seasons.
"They've got themselves into Europe and although they might have lost a few players they still play the same way - they are hard working and have goals in the team.
"We fully expect a tough match. We have beaten them twice but they've got players that can cause problems.
"We are in decent form ourselves - four in a row. We've now got two home games back to back and we want to continue winning."
Meanwhile, Motherwell manager Stuart McCall said: "Derek has brought in some good players allied to the strong players they had.
"There is no doubt for me, outwith Celtic, they have the strongest squad in depth.
"But other sides like ourselves, Inverness and St Johnstone, and obviously Dundee United, will think team-wise we are all very similar and we have got to go up there and prove that.
"We do believe if we manage to finish above Aberdeen, that would certainly take us into a European spot.
"When you do play teams at the top who you are neck and neck with, I think the key is not to lose, not that we are going up in any negative way. We will certainly be trying to get the three points."
The hosts can go clear in second place with a win. However, if Motherwell are triumphant, they will leapfrog their hosts into the European places.