Jim Goodwin in Aberdeen battle cry as Rangers fired 'upset' warning ahead of Pittodrie full house

Aberdeen fans have never needed a reason to be right up for it when Rangers come to town. But when their fierce rivals arrive at Pittodrie having lost their previous two games 4-0, and with Aberdeen having the chance to go level on points with them if they win.

Jim Goodwin has no doubt that his team’s support will be in the mood to make Pittodrie a powderkeg on Saturday. And he makes no apologies for hoping that they really turn up the heat on a visiting side whose confidence looks shot to pieces after a week from hell at home and in Europe.

In fact, all Goodwin wants is the home fans to replicate the level of support the Dons have had in their travels the length and breadth of the country in the last couple of weeks. He said: “I’m led to believe we are not far off a full house and they certainly can add to the atmosphere and be the 12th man. Since I came in, I couldn’t say a bad word about them.

“They have been different class - especially the travelling fans and especially last week when 1000 of them had a 400-plus mile round trip to Annan, and the expense that involved, and then over 2000 to follow us across the country to Dingwall a few days later.

“It’s just remarkable. I’ve never experienced anything like it during my playing days or as a manager, so we are extremely grateful for the backing they give us and long may that continue in terms of them playing their part by driving the lads on.

“It’s important that we maintain that connection that we’re talking about and to do that we need to show the fans how much we care and show that passion and willingness to never give up for the jersey and try to win every game we go into. Hopefully that will be on show again this weekend against Rangers.”

Goodwin is urging