Derek Young is sure Aberdeen have the Pittodrie power to hand Steven Gerrard’s table-topping Rangers side their first Premiership defeat.
The Light Blues head north on Sunday looking to build on their Old Firm win.
Young knows a trip to the Granite City is usually one of Rangers’ toughest challenges.
He is also well aware that Derek McInnes’ side will be pumped up to make up for their two defeats to the Ibrox men, which came on a flat opening day and then in an injury and Covid-hit visit to Govan.
Former Dons star Young said: “Rangers going to Pittodrie is always one of their toughest games of the season.
“It always is when they come up to Aberdeen. Anything can happen in these games and form can go out the window.
“The last two games were disappointing for Aberdeen. The first game they never got going and the second they were hit hard by injuries and Covid.
“It will be different now Derek has most of his players back.
“The boys have confidence from the run Aberdeen have been on, will have seen how Celtic caused them problems and will go out believing they can beat Rangers.
“There is no doubt if the Aberdeen team clicks then they can beat Rangers."
Young, now an academy coach at Dons, knows from his own experience the importance of these games with Rangers.
He is aware how important they are to the fans and is in no doubt if Aberdeen can deliver on Sunday it would give them a massive shot in the arm, with the punters stuck in lockdown.
He added: “Everybody at Aberdeen knows what it means and it is a massive game.
“Everybody is a bit down with lockdown and the football will be getting a lot of people through some difficult times.”
Aberdeen are third but will be looking to keep the pressure on second-placed Celtic, and Young thinks they can now push to be best of the rest.
The ex-Pittodrie midfielder said: “Aberdeen are probably in their own mini-league at the top end.
“We have Celtic in our sights. Aberdeen are wanting to be as close to them as we can, while being as many points away from Hibs below us.”
Young feels boss McInnes is still waiting on Dons to hit top form, especially up front.
He said: “Aberdeen have blown a bit hot and cold. The team is on a good run but I know the manager is still looking for a bit more in the final third. This squad has goals in it, it could change quickly, and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if it was to click against Rangers.”
Young knows McInnes is still looking more from his team at the top end, waiting on either Sam Cosgrove or Curtis Main to start firing in goals with more regularity.
Rangers have passed every domestic step in the league and their only black mark has come in their Betfred Cup defeat to St Mirren. Young knows Gerrard will be hoping his own team can build on their Celtic win.
Young acknowledged: “Rangers haven’t been beaten in the league and they will want that still to be the case when they leave Aberdeen.
“They are flying and although they didn’t play that well against Celtic but they managed to grind it out and get the victory. “
