Charlie Miller helped Rangers clinch one of their most historic league triumphs at Tannadice – their ninth in a row.
But he’s praying the same venue doesn’t prove a stumbling ground for the latest title bid.
The Ibrox side have already shipped three points to Dundee United after losing on Tayside in just their second league game.
A Jamie Robson strike – and a poor Gers performance – ended Steven Gerrard’s side’s 40-game unbeaten Premiership run.
Another slip-up from Gio van Bronckhorst’s men on Sunday could be even more damaging.
With Rangers trailing Celtic – who host Dundee later in the afternoon – at the top of the Premiership table, it’s imperative they keep winning.
Miller expects another tough encounter at Tannadice, even in the wake of Gers’ spectacular Europa League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.
But the former midfielder says if they want to compete on all fronts, they have to overcome domestic obstacles like this.
Miller’s cross for Brian Laudrup’s iconic header 25 years ago will forever be remembered by the club’s supporters.
And he hopes a win against Tam Courts’ United side today can set them on their way to another title.
He told MailSport : “That night in 1997 is one of the best moments of my career. It’s probably the one fans ask me about the most.
“It wasn’t the only highlight of my time at Rangers but it was so vital because of what was at stake with nine-in-a-row.
“I understand why punters chin me about it because I know that it was such an important night in their lives.
“I remember the game well because I actually had two great efforts on goal – but big Sieb Dijkstra saved them!
“It was brilliant to put the cross in for Brian’s goal but it could have been even better if I’d scored myself!
“Tannadice has always been a hard place to go, we always had difficult games up there.
“It’s the same for Rangers now. This is a big test for them on Sunday, two tough away games at Dortmund and Dundee United in the space of four days.
“But I’m sure Giovanni will have them up for it and ready.
“They’ve already lost there this season and if it happens again it could be costly in the title race.
“That’s just the way it is at the moment, every game for Rangers is a cup final.
“The early kick-offs on a Sunday are a nightmare, especially when you’re not getting back until late on a Thursday night from Europe.
“But at the top level, if you want to be part of it , you have to be ready for those challenges.
“Rangers can’t afford to drop too many more points.
“They don’t want to fall even further behind Celtic.”
Former Tannadice star Miller watched the game between his old sides back in August and couldn’t believe how bad Rangers were.
United were deserved winners and he reckons away tests like this for both halves of the Old Firm make it a proper title race. He said: “Rangers were poor at Tannadice earlier in the season.
“I remember watching it and they certainly can’t afford to be that bad again on Sunday.
“They had one chance through Alfredo Morelos in the first half then a Connor Goldson header in the second. But that was it.
“United got a lucky break for the goal but it was a good finish.
“This weekend United will be fighting for points because they want to finish in the top four.
“At Parkhead, Dundee will be the same because they’re down near the bottom of the league.
“These teams have so much to play for so it won’t be easy for the Old Firm.
“I’d expect Celtic to beat Dundee so that puts pressure on Rangers to get a result.
“We’ve got a real title race now, it’s the way it used to be. And that is what you want. It is important we have got a strong, competitive league here. It makes it an exciting watch.”
After leaving Rangers for Premier League side Watford, Miller returned to Scotland to sign for United in 2000.
He enjoyed four years with the Terrors before heading to Norway with Brann Bergen.
The 45-year-old has been impressed by the work Courts has done at Tannadice so far this season – but hopes that he’s on the losing side today.
Miller said: “He has done a really good job at United and has probably surprised a few people.
“A lot of people thought he’d struggle but he’s done better than they thought he would.
“He seems to have got the players playing for him. I know they had a wee run of not winning recently but they’re back on track now.
“I still look out for United’s results and their performances because I had a great time up there for four years.
“However, I still want Rangers to win on Sunday.”
