Derek McInnes has told Steven Gerrard he shouldn’t flatter himself by claiming Aberdeen try harder against Rangers.
The Pittodrie boss dismissed Gerrard who suggested the Dons give the Ibrox side more of a game than they do Celtic.
In six meetings between Rangers and Aberdeen Gerrard’s side have emerged victorious only once - in February's 4-2 win at Pittodrie.
McInnes scoffed at Gerrard’s claim, though, ahead of the teams clashing again in Govan on Sunday.
He said: "We raise our game every game. They shouldn’t flatter themselves.
Stewart Milne vows to increase Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes’ playing budget
"We don't always get the results, our home form could have been better this season, especially the second half, but our away form has been second to none.
"We have had six years of solid work and we have raised our game time and again against every opponent. Naturally it is a big game against Rangers, our players will enjoy it."
The war of words has cranked up the tension further ahead of the weekend as they get set to battle for the seventh time this season.
Earlier on Friday, Gerrard had said: "Aberdeen play different against Rangers. That's what I've noticed. They certainly raise their game. It seems as if Rangers is their biggest game of the season.
"We're fully expecting a very tough game, so we'll have to be at it.
"Do they try harder against Rangers? That's the way it looks on the eye. We watched them last week against Celtic and they never laid a finger on Celtic in the semi-final.
Watch Steven Gerrard's Rangers press conference in full as he takes a dig at Aberdeen
"They obviously come to play against Rangers and bring their A game. They're very physical and they definitely lift their game against Rangers, that's for sure.
"I'm not saying they don't raise their game against Celtic but they have found their form definitely against Rangers. And having watched them against Celtic a few weeks ago it wasn't the performance you expect from Aberdeen if you look at their performances against Rangers."
