We have a Premiership classic on our hands on Saturday when Rangers lock horns with Aberdeen at Ibrox in what will be both sides’ 16th game of the season. Rangers lost their second place in the Scottish Premiership table after a 2-0 loss against Hearts on Wednesday night. In just three days’ time, they are up against another giant of Scottish football. Warburton will feel the pressure now after his side failing to impress on a consistent basis.
The Gers are sitting third in the table with 26 points from 15 games. Celtic are 8 points clear of them and second-placed Hearts. The gap with Celtic is ever-increasing. Aberdeen are on 24 points but have played 13 games, that is two lesser than both Rangers and Hearts. The Dons will be eager to get a win out of this game after their disappointment in the League Cup final against Celtic on Sunday.
Rangers have found it extremely hard to get the results on a consistent basis. Before their loss to Hearts, they were five games unbeaten in the Premiership but have had too many draws are costing them dearly. The two sides have met 29 times in the Premiership till date and Rangers have won 16 of them. Aberdeen have won 5 times while 8 games ended in stalemates. They met each other once already this season and the Dons won 2-1.
Team news
Rangers
Rangers do not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. Josh Windass, Niko Kranjcar and Jordan Rossiter are likely to miss through injuries.
Aberdeen
Scott Wright and Josh Parker are missing for Aberdeen with injuries.
Predicted lineups
Rangers (4-3-3): Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson, Wallace; Halliday, Holt, Forrester; O’Halloran, Waghorn, Miller
Aberdeen (4-4-2): Lewis; Logan, Taylor, Considine, Shinnie; Hayes, McLean, Jack, McGinn; Rooney, Stockley
Key players
Rangers- Andy Halliday
Andy Halliday has been immense for Rangers in the middle of the park with his energetic displays. He is a hard-working midfielder with brilliant industry and willingness to contribute. The Scotsman has been a regular at the base of Rangers’ three-man midfield this season and must impress against Aberdeen on Saturday if Rangers want to win the game.
Aberdeen- Jonny Hayes
The 29-year-old winger has been in impressive form this season, scoring thrice and setting up his teammates nine times this from just 16 games in all competitions. An explosive winger who likes to take defenders on, his directness will be a big threat to the Rangers defence.
Odds
Rangers win @11/8
Draw @32/13
Aberdeen win @23/10
