This week, the defence is a problem once again for Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen – are we already getting an idea of what might need done in January to fix it? Can Aberdeen still go into their crucial Friday night clash with Hibs feeling confident? Meanwhile, Ross County are moving in the right direction, despite a continued lack of points, says Andy Skinner, as question marks remain over Mark Ridgers’ half-time exit in Caley Thistle’s hammering at Morton. We’ve also got Jamie Durent on the bizarre time-wasting incident which capped Cove’s capitulation to draw 4-4 at Hamilton, following a week where Peterhead and Elgin’s fortunes also flipped somewhat.

This week, is Jim Goodwin taking Aberdeen to Rangers at the perfect moment? The Dons' new 3-5-2 set-up is creating great combinations between Duk/Bojan Miovski and Connor Barron/Ylber Ramadani – but what about all the wingers now kicking their heels? Plus, Sophie Goodwin on how Aberdeen Women have plenty of chances to make history at Pittodrie on Sunday. Ross County aren’t cut adrift in the Premiership yet – but they need to make pre-World Cup games count, starting with Hearts, while Inverness have a great chance to strengthen their Championship hand against Morton, despite now having at least five starters injured. Striker Gerry McDonagh has staked his Cove Rangers claim, while Peterhead try to stay in touch at foot of League One, and Elgin City’s Kane Hester chases 20 goals before Halloween.

In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel run the rule over Aberdeen's midweek win over Partick Thistle and the emergence of their new cult hero, Luis 'Duk' Lopes. There's also injury news at both Ross County and Caley Thistle, plus Cove Rangers' need to find stability.

We also look at what should be expected of Peterhead given their well-documented early-season struggles, plus Elgin City's chances of a Scottish Cup run.