Gary Bowyer says his Dundee side are going into Saturday’s clash of two in-form teams full of belief.
That’s after an inspired comeback last time out at Partick Thistle saw the Dark Blues overcome a two-goal deficit at half-time to win 3-2 at Firhill.
This weekend they take on another side with lofty ambitions in this season’s Championship as Raith Rovers arrive at Dens Park on the back of three wins in their last four games.
The two outfits are level on points in the condensed second-tier table as they chase leaders Ayr United.
The pair met back in August at Stark’s Park with the season only a couple of games old with Josh Mulligan scoring the only goal of the game.
Crazy
Bowyer, though, has warned Dundee will face a stiffer test this time around from Ian Murray’s men.
But he says confidence is high at Dens Park, too.
“We played them at the start of the season and beat them with Mulligan’s goal but I was really impressed with their manager and how he coaches them,” Bowyer said.
“They have got stronger and stronger.
“We are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead and we expect a really tough game.
“They all are in this Championship.
“I allowed myself to look at the league table this week and how tight it is is crazy. But there is a hell of lot of football to be played.
“As well as Raith being on a run, we are on a good run ourselves.
“The momentum of last weekend’s result has given our players real belief going into Saturday’s game.”
Home comforts
And Bowyer is keen to see his players put on a show for the home crowd at Dens Park after two matches on the road.
This clash with Raith will also kick off a trio of home matches with Hamilton and a Scottish Cup tie with Airdrieonians to follow.
“We’ve probably performed best at home, in terms of how we want to play, though some results have gone against us,” he added.
“I thought the fans last week were right to let their opinions known at half-time but the role they played got us over the line at the end.”
‘Fight to the end’
Some, however, did admit on social media to leaving Firhill at half-time with their team trailing by two goals.
Something Bowyer warns against in the future.
“I think in terms of this season going forward, one thing I’d say is don’t leave early!” Bowyer added.
“We came back late at Queen’s and I think that’s a great strength to have is that this group doesn’t know when it’s beaten.
“They fight right to the end.”
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