STEVEN GERRARD reckons Aberdeen raise their game to play Rangers more than they do when they face Celtic.

The Dons have an impressive record against Gerrard’s side so far this season and have already won twice at Ibrox in the Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Victory for the Light Blues would secure second spot in the standings this term but Gerrard is expecting another difficult encounter against a team that has caused his players plenty of problems in recent months.

Gerrard said: “Aberdeen play different against Rangers. That’s what I’ve noticed. They certainly raise their game.

“It seems as if Rangers is their biggest game of the season.

“We’re fully expecting a very tough game, so we’ll have to be at it.

“Do they try harder against Rangers? That’s the way it looks on the eye.

“We watched them last week against Celtic and they never laid a finger on Celtic in the semi-final.

“They obviously come to play against Rangers and bring their A game. They’re very physical and they definitely lift their game against Rangers, that’s for sure.

“I’m not saying they don’t raise their game against Celtic but they have found their form definitely against Rangers.

“And having watched them against Celtic a few weeks ago it wasn’t the performance you expect from Aberdeen if you look at their performances against Rangers.”