Despite a 2-1 weekend win against St Mirren, Rangers were far from convincing at their own backyard ahead of clashing heads with high-flying Aberdeen on Wednesday night. The Dons, still unbeaten in the Premiership, are jointly leading the standings with Celtic. While the Hoops are only ahead on goal difference, a result for the Light Blues at Pittodrie could earn their bitter rivals a clear lead for the first time this campaign.
Although the Gers defeated Aberdeen last season to clinch the Scottish Cup crown, it has been highly competitive whenever these two sides locked horns over the years. Rangers have struggled on the road against the Dons, and they must uplift their game to avoid another setback in the league.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
Jack Butland must exhibit his mastery between the sticks as he is expected to be tested a few times in the forthcoming fixture.
Philippe Clement made some notable changes against the Buddies with Neraysho Kasanwirjo featuring as the right fullback ahead of James Tavernier. The skipper is expected to return to action, and so is John Souttar, who was handed a precautionary rest to manage the load after a busy period for both his club and the country. Leon Balogun could make way for the Scotsman, but we could see Robin Propper retain his place in the heart of the backline. Jefte has grabbed his opportunities down the left amid Ridvan Yilmaz’s injury absence.
Midfield
Connor Barron would return to face his boyhood club for the first time since plying his trade to Glasgow back in the summer. Nicolas Raskin has regained the rhythm after a slow start due to form and fitness reasons and is now likely to continue as the ‘double pivot’ alongside Barron. Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling might get involved as second-half substitutes.
The Gers would try to have Tom Lawrence back for the midweek encounter. However, Mohamed Diomande remains an able alternative having netted against St Mirren in the previous gameweek. Ianis Hagi is also an option for the ‘number 10’ role after serving his two-game suspension. But the gaffer should not line him up in the starting XI given his little involvement so far this term. Injuries to Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes have decimated them down the flanks, but the summer signings Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami have impressed a lot with their creativity, flair and finishing traits.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers is having a rough run high up the pitch but he should still spearhead the attack over Hamza Igamane considering his experience and expertise as an outright ‘number 9’.
