Dons under pressure to beat Staggies, says Dodds

Former Aberdeen striker Billy Dodds believes the pressure is on his former club to get back to winning ways against Ross County on Saturday.

The Dons welcome the Staggies, who used to be coached by Dodds when he assisted Jim McIntyre, to Pittodrie tomorrow with both clubs looking to get back on the winning trail after disappointing results but former Dundee and Dundee United forward Dodds believes Aberdeen’s need is greater.

He said: “Both management teams will be looking for an improvement in performance levels after recent results. Aberdeen have home advantage and are the bigger club but they are under greater pressure to get the three points this weekend.

“I can assure you as a player and coach it’s horrible going into an international break and waiting two weeks to play again after a defeat or disappointing result.

“I wouldn’t say they are two clubs that need to kickstart their season but they won’t want to go into the international break on a low note.

“Ross County have four points and are fourth in the table. I’m sure if you had offered them that after three games they would have taken it.

“But the last couple of weeks have been sore for both teams. Aberdeen have lost to St Mirren and drawn with Kilmarnock andtheperformanceshave been poor in both games.

“Ross County were going well after a good win against Hamilton and a great display at Hearts but the Betfred Cup defeat at Partick and the heavy home defeat to Livingston will have hurt them.”

The Dons have been Celtic’s main challengers in the league in recent years but last season they had to settle for a fourth place finish.