Two of the Scottish Premiership’s big guns meet in a Scottish Cup quarter-final at Pittodrie with a visit to Hampden at stake for the winners. Aberdeen haven’t won the Scottish Cup since a penalty shoot-out victory over Celtic in 1990. In that time, Rangers have lifted the trophy seven times, though not in the last 10 years, so an eventual win for either would be overdue.
Aberdeen Form
The Dons have only lost two of their last 11 matches in all competitions but one of those defeats came against Rangers at Pittodrie less than a month ago. The other was against lowly Hamilton Academical on Wednesday and, surprisingly, it’s been Aberdeen’s home form that has been letting them down lately – they’ve won just one of their last seven in front of their own fans. They are now eight points behind Rangers in the Premiership table with Celtic a further eight points ahead of their arch-rivals so all hope of a title challenge has evaporated. Derek McInnes’ side have been hit hard by injuries to Shay Logan and Tommie Hoban but have drafted in experienced free agent Greg Halford to cover some of the gaps, though he is not yet match-fit. Max Lowe, Manchester United loanee James Wilson and Gary Mackay-Steven are all hoping to play a part for Aberdeen, who have a score to settle.
Rangers Form
This game may come too soon for Gers pair Scott Arfield and Andy Halliday but Alfredo Morelos is set to start for Steven Gerrard’s team at a stadium where the Colombian saw red following a clash with the Dons’ Scott McKenna last month. Rangers have not conceded a goal in five matches since winning 4-2 at Pittodrie in the Premiership and have won their last three matches, scoring 14 times. But their games never seem short of controversy with the ultra-competitive manager trying to mould a team in his own image. Morelos is again the subject of transfer talk but is being asked to concentrate on matters at hand with Rangers facing a busy end to the campaign. The loan signing of Jermaine Defoe has eased his burden, however, and fellow veteran Kyle Lafferty is also waiting in the wings.
Aberdeen v Rangers Head-to-Heads
Rangers have only lost twice to Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their last 10 visits and scored at least once in those matches. They have won three of their last six games in the north-east and were leading at half-time in the same number.
Aberdeen v Rangers Current Best Match Odds
Aberdeen 10/3, Draw 5/2, Rangers 10/11 (Odds Correct at 4.00pm March 1)
Aberdeen v Rangers Predictions
Aberdeen’s recent home form is shocking and Rangers are scoring plenty of goals at present. It’s difficult to look beyond an away win at a best 10/11. Over 1.5 Total Goals for Rangers is 42/41 with Unibet and, considering the ill-feeling between the sides the last time they met and what is at stake in this game, the 3/1 for a Sending Off isn’t a bad bet. Rangers to Win to Nil is 9/4 with BetVictor.
