Jimmy can't contemplate defeat

20 February 2009 15:04
The Dons missed out on the chance of climbing into the SPL's top three last weekend when they surrendered a one-goal lead in their 2-1 defeat to Hearts.[LNB]Aberdeen have the chance to move up to fourth with a win over Craig Levein's men at Pittodrie this weekend.[LNB]But Calderwood admits a loss would leave his players with a massive task to catch Hearts and United.[LNB]"It is imperative that we take points in every match as the games are running out," he said.[LNB]"If we were to lose on Saturday and Hearts won, then we would be seven points behind them and five behind United.[LNB]"In the past, we have been 11 points behind teams and caught them but you want to avoid getting yourself into situations like that if you can help it."[LNB]But the Dons manager stressed defeat on Saturday would not leave his side completely out of the running to finish best of the rest behind the Old Firm.[LNB]He added: "As Craig Levein has already said, a defeat in this game would not be the end of the world. Our chances of finishing third would not be completely gone but it would make life very, very difficult.[LNB]"At the moment, we just have to focus on clearing the hurdle of getting into the top six and then if we achieve that, we can aim for third.[LNB]"However, there is no doubt that if we got three points this weekend, it would be a big help for us nearer the end of the season."[LNB]Calderwood believes United's recent dip in form has been due to Scott Robertson's absence through injury as well as the recent departure of Willo Flood to Celtic.[LNB]He said: "Craig Levein has been very unlucky having Scott Robertson out because he is a player that has been wonderful for him.[LNB]"Willo Flood was another important player for United that they no longer have.[LNB]"I know how Craig must feel because we have missed Jamie Smith all season who is a massive player for us. But we know they will still be a very difficult team to beat."[LNB]The Dons will be out for revenge having lost their two previous meetings against their New Firm rivals this season.[LNB]"I thought we were unlucky both times we played United," said Calderwood.[LNB]"We dominated the match at Pittodrie but couldn't break them down. At Tannadice, it was a couple of stupid mistakes that cost us.[LNB]"The two teams are very well matched and I am anticipating another close game this weekend.[LNB]"Dundee United have set very high standards for themselves and they are a very difficult team to break down.[LNB]But I think we have been unlucky against them this season so hopefully it will be our turn this time."[LNB][LNB] Aberdeen v Dundee Utd. Click here to bet.[LNB] 

Source: Team_Talk