Caley Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth believes his side has more to lose as they prepare to face Ross County one last time this season.
The Staggies head to Caledonian Stadium with an 11-point lead at the top of the Championship while Caley Jags are in fifth place, one point behind Dunfermline.
The race for the play-offs is gathering pace in the final quarter of the season and Polworth hopes his side’s need to win tonight will give them the edge on a County team which has won its last six league matches.
Polworth, who helped his side to a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win against County last month, said: “County won the other night, so they’re a long way clear, so I would say there is more on the line for us.
“We need to keep ourselves tucked in there. Dunfermline have obviously gone ahead of us, but we know we still have every chance of getting in there.
“We’re all looking forward to it again. The last one was a really good game – and a brilliant outcome for us.
“I’m sure everyone enjoyed watching that game. There have been a lot of goals so far in the derbies this season so hopefully it will be another good one.
“We take confidence from every game we’ve played against them so far this season. We’ve been really good in most games, but struggled to take our chances in some of them.
“The final result in the last game was a massive boost for us.”
While County chase a win which will take them 14 points clear at the top victory for Inverness will see them move into the play-off position ahead of Dunfermline who face Dundee United tomorrow.
Polworth knows nothing is decided tonight but would love to put pressure on the in-form Pars by ending County’s winning run.
He said: “It can work both ways. If we do go out and get the three points against Ross County, it does put a bit of pressure on them (Dunfermline).
“But if we didn’t get the win, they would obviously see it as a massive boost for them before they play Dundee United on Saturday.
“We know we have to go out there every week and perform, like we have been doing lately – and just keep racking up those points.
“It is one of those leagues where you never know what’s going to happen.”
Ross County manager Steven Ferguson believes the derby has brought out the best in but Polworth disagrees.
He said: “County only see us in one game. If they want to say that, it doesn’t really make any difference to us.
“Being honest, they’re up there in the league table for a reason. I don’t know what their performances have been like – I’m not really that interested.
“It’s an interesting comment for them to make. I don’t see why they would get so wound up about how we’re playing against them.
“They’re still getting the points they need in the league, so I don’t see why they would make a deal out of it.
“We’re probably playing some of our best football of the season at the moment and some of that just comes from confidence.
“We played really well in the quarter-final to beat Dundee United and we were excellent for 45 minutes in Dumfries on Saturday.”
