It promises to be an absolute cracker of a game when Aberdeen take on Rangers at Pittodrie on Sunday. The big game is a sell out already and both sides will be keen to kick-start a run of wins in order to mount a serious title challenge to Celtic. Both sides haven’t been at their best so far this season and already find themselves much behind Celtic who thrashed Kilmarnock 6-1 yesterday to increase their lead at the top.
After staying winless in three games in all competitions, Rangers returned to winning ways on Tuesday with an emphatic 5-0 triumph against Scottish Championship league leaders Queen of the South. The Gers impresses as a unit and it was a huge sigh of relief to see forward Martyn Waghorn return to scoring ways who bagged a hat-trick. Aberdeen are coming off two excellent victories away to Dundee and against St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup quarter-final and will be eager to make it three wins from three.
Team news
Aberdeen
Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes is a major doubt for the match. Skipper Ryan Jack remains out with a knee injury.
Rangers
Josh Windass is doubtful for the game but Mark Warburton hopes that he will be fit for the trip. Jordan Rossiter remains unavailable with a calf strain. Striker Kenny Miller will feature despite being arrested in connection with an alleged brawl. Midfielder Joey Barton is still serving a suspension imposed by Rangers last week.
Predicted lineups and tactical setups
Aberdeen
Derek McInnes is likely to stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Lewis is likely to start under the bar behind the back four consisting of Logan, Taylor, O’Connor and Considine. Shinnie and McLean are likely to start in the two-man midfield. James Maddison is likely to start as the number ten. McGinn and Burns are likely to start on the flanks while Rooney spearheads the attack.
Starting XI: McInnes; Logan, Taylor, O’Connor, Considine; Shinnie, McLean; McGinn, Maddison, Burns; Rooney
Rangers
We expect Wes Foderingham to start under the bar behind the back four of Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson and Wallace. Andy Halliday will start as the defensive midfielder with Jason Holt and Niko Kranjcar operating box to box. Harry Forrester and Barrie McKay are likely to start on the flanks. Martyn Waghorn should start up front.
Starting XI: Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson, Wallace; Halliday, Holt, Kranjcar; Forrester, Waghorn, McKay
Betting odds
Aberdeen win @2.85
Draw @ 3.15
Rangers @2.60
