Derek McInnes will ask his Aberdeen side to dampen Highland spirits this afternoon as he aims to remind Inverness Caledonian Thistle that a only a draw is required for the Dons to confirm the runner-up place in the Premiership.

McInnes recognises the strides the Caley Jags have made this season but, aside from Barry Robson, suspended for his assault on Dundee United's Charlie Telfer last weekend, he'll be fielding his strongest side in order to secure that second place.

"We have a good record up there," McInnes said, "and every win we've had against them has been hard fought.

"They are a good team with different ways of playing. They can take you on physically and technically, and they have good know-how in their team which always makes them a challenge.

"John Hughes [their manager] deserves a lot of credit for implementing his style and they showed how good they can be against a strong Celtic, but we want to go up there and win the game and a strong performance will help us do that.

"Even in the 4-3 and 3-2 wins there has been very little between the teams and it is never easy to beat them. But we know we have to be strong up there and try to impose ourselves on the game.

"I expect them to be buoyant after the week they've had and having spoken to John this week, I know he feels the events with Josh Meekings has taken the shine off their achievement. But what they have achieved has been excellent and they deserve a lot of credit.

"It's always a big game for Inverness when Aberdeen visit as we take a big support there and both sets of players will go on the pitch confident but hopefully we can come out on top."