Hibs manager Neil Lennon has lavished praise on Aberdeen as the Leith side prepare to welcome the Dons in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday.
The top-flight rivals lock horns at Easter Road a month before they meet in a televised Betfred Cup clash in Edinburgh exactly a month later.
Derek McInnes’ side racked up a fourth successive runners-up place in the league last season as they finished six points clear of Hibs and have made an encouraging start to the current campaign.
After being knocked out of the Europa League by English Premier League side Burnley after extra-time, Aberdeen are unbeaten in their opening three domestic matches, winning two.
Hibs are expecting a home sell-out at the weekend and former Celtic manager Lennon is bracing himself for another highly competitive clash.
He said: “Saturday is a dress rehearsal but both are very important games for us.
“They’re a class side, one of the best in the country and they had a comfortable win last weekend [against St Mirren].
“They have started the season well and ran Burnley really close over two games.
“We’re up against a high calibre manager with a very good team.”
Lennon, meanwhile, has hinted that he may have to get rid of some players if he wants to make any more signings.
Australian midfielder Mark Milligan became Lennon’s eighth summer recruit after joining on a two-year deal last weekend.
The Leith outfit received a reported £3m fee for John McGinn when the midfielder moved to Aston Villa earlier this month but Lennon admits he is not sure whether he has any more room to add further additions.
He said: “I don’t know if we’re done [in the transfer market], there are a few weeks to go.
“There may be a few players knocking on the door wanting to go out and play more regular football, we’ll have to wait and see but you never say never.”
Hibs, meanwhile, are expected to discover today whether they will face any punishment from UEFA.
The European governing body opened disciplinary proceedings following the recent Europa League second leg 1-1 draw with Asteras Tripolis in Greece.
Hibs fans have been accused of setting off flares and throwing objects, while the club have also been charged for not having any stewards with the travelling supporters.
A UEFA hearing is due to take place today.
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