Former Aberdeen forward Frank McDougall believes the Dons can throw the title race wide open by beating Celtic this weekend.
The Dons have not won a league match at Parkhead since 2004 but their sparkling display in their 4-1 success against Hibernian coupled with Hearts’ 4-0 thumping of Celtic has raised hopes of a Dons victory on Saturday.
McDougall, who scored all four goals for Aberdeen in a 4-1 victory against the Hoops in November 1985, hopes the Dons show no fear against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
He said: “It was a fantastic result against Hibernian. It was just a shame they didn’t play so well in the games against Rangers.
“Celtic will be up for it but it is going to be down to how Aberdeen perform. They are good enough. They showed that by demolishing Hibs, who are not a bad team.
“Aberdeen are five points better off than they were last season and much closer to Celtic.
“I think Aberdeen can make it a genuine title challenge this season.
“Celtic have been on a fantastic unbeaten run but it was going to end at some stage.
“Aberdeen can get much closer to them this season, especially if they win this Saturday.
“I think they will go down there with a lot of confidence. There shouldn’t be any fear.
“When Alex Ferguson was at Aberdeen, there was always a belief that the Dons could go down to Glasgow and win.
“It is only 11 against 11.”
McDougall, meanwhile, hopes manager Derek McInnes gets scope to strengthen his squad during next month’s transfer window – and hopes any funds available are invested in bolstering the club’s attacking options.
The 59-year-old added: “I’d like to see him bring in another couple of wingers as they need more width and a centre forward.
“I’m glad Derek has stayed at the club as it looked like he was away.
“He has done very well at Aberdeen, no one can argue with that.”