Rangers and Aberdeen played out some feisty encounters last season, and that rivalry is set to resume again as the Glaswegian giants will host them at the Ibrox this Saturday. The Dons are coming into this game on the back of a heartbreaking penalty shoot out loss against Hearts in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. Rangers meanwhile were able to go past Livingston in a close encounter.
Aberdeen are undefeated in their last four games in the Premiership, and they are likely to be a tough nut to crack for Rangers. Gerrard’s men will take confidence from the start they have had this season as barring the Celtic game, the side has looked sharp and impressive. With the Hoops still going strong, Rangers will need to be on Celtic’s heels by securing maximum points against Derek McInnes’ side.
Team News: Ryan Kent and Jordan Jones’ situation have improved, but they are going to be unavailable for this tie. Joe Aribo suffered a severe cut to his forehead in the Cup game, and he too is likely to miss out. In defence, Jon Flanagan went through a hernia operation, and he is going to be unavailable. Brandon Barker is also expected to miss out after his toe injury.
Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs Aberdeen
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor will continue to start in goal over Wes Foderingham. We might see the return of Nikola Katic in defence in place of Filip Helander. Connor Goldson is likely to keep his place at the heart of the Rangers defence. Captain James Tavernier will be in his usual right-back role. Borna Barisic, who has regained some form of late, will continue at left-back.
Midfield
Experienced midfielder Steven Davis is likely to return to the eleven after he only played as a substitute in the cup game. Ryan Jack has been a real revelation at the Ibrox so far this season. The Scotsman would once again start in the middle. Glen Kamara scored the winner against Livingston, so he should continue playing as part of Gerrard’s midfield three.
Attack
With Jones and Kent still down with an injury, Sheyi Ojo could once again start on the left flank. Scott Arfield will start on the right-wing, but he will often drift inside to occupy the central areas. Gerrard might be tempted to rest Alfredo Morelos before the big away tie against Young Boys, but we think that the Colombian should start over Jermain Defoe.
