Derek McInnes believes Dundee United would be a huge loss to the Scottish Premiership if they were relegated, but that will not stop the Aberdeen manager from trying to plunge his former club further into the mire tonight.
McInnes captained the Tangerines and while he believes United are worthy of a place in the top flight he knows there is no room for sentiment as his side tries to get back to winning ways at Tannadice tonight.
He said: “United going down would be a big loss to the top flight. I enjoy games against them and this game has more ingredients than normal.
“United have a strong support, are a good club and have good tradition but that doesn’t protect them and they are in a difficult situation.
“They will see the last couple of results as giving them encouragement they can stay in the league. They’ve got a lifeline now and like us they don’t have a lot of room with error with 11 games to go.
“That adds to the occasion. We’ve had some good results down there over the last couple of seasons and the fact 2,500 of our supporters have already bought tickets for the game shows their appetite for the game. It is important we show the same appetite.”
McInnes has been impressed by United’s recent results but knows it is important the Dons bounce back from the home draw against St Johnstone on Saturday.
He said: “United deserve credit for beating two good teams in Hearts and Ross County. They are both difficult to overcome so they have shown good qualities in the last couple of weeks.
“I’m sure their supporters were looking for that a bit earlier, but having watched both games they have managed to win, they have shown a real spirit and aggression to their play.
“That will please Mixu Paatelainen no end. They had to show that side and they have had two very good wins.
“For both teams the three points will be vitally important and there will be two teams showing real aggression and passion to get the job done and get the win.”