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. It was a stellar performance from the Gers as forward Martyn Waghorn stole the headlines with a stunning hat-trick. The Gers are fifth on the table with just nine points from six games, four behind league-leaders Celtic who also have a game in hand.
Rangers will travel to Pittodrie on Sunday to take on last two seasons’ runners up Aberdeen. The Dons are level on points with Rangers but sit above them boasting a greater goal difference. Aberdeen are in a pretty similar form when compared to Rangers winning just three of their last six games drawing two and losing one.
Mark Warburton will hope that the 5-0 win in the midweek gets his boys a major boost in confidence. Here is the predicted Rangers lineup against Aberdeen.
Defence
Matt Gilks started in the midweek against Queen of the South and we expect Wes Foderingham to make his way back to the starting XI under the bar. James Tavernier and Lee Wallace will start in the two full-back positions. Rob Kiernan is out with a minor injury. Experienced Philippe Senderos is back from a suspension but considering the debut he had for the Gers, it’s unlikely that Warburton will turn to the Swiss international unless resources are really stretched. So, Clint Hill and Danny Wilson will start at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Andy Halliday should start in defensive midfield. With Joey Barton suspended by Rangers for three weeks, there is a big void to fill in the middle of the park. The 24-year-old did a great job in the midweek to fill in that void and it was a big statement from Warburton to award the young midfielder the captain’s armband. Jason Holt was highly impressive in the midweek and will keep his place. We expect Niko Kranjcar to make his way to the bench to make way for young Josh Windass.
Attack
Michael O’Halloran had a brilliant game against Queen of the South making a strong bid for a regular first-team place. The 25-year-old should start on the right flank. Barrie McKay is likely to replace Harry Forrester on the left. Hat-trick hero in the midweek Martyn Waghorn will start up front for the Gers ahead of Joe Garner and Kenny Miller.
