The first silverware of the Scottish domestic season is up for grabs at Hampden on Sunday but the two chief protagonists can not afford to take their eyes of the main prize of the Premiership title in this midweek round of matches which sees Celtic face Hamilton Academical and Rangers travel to Pittodrie to meet Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Form and Team News
Since Aberdeen were thumped by Celtic at the end of October, they’ve won four and drawn one of their five matches in the Premiership and only conceded three goals.
Their run has taken them into a clear third place in the table and they will still believe that they can peg back the Glasgow giants, who had a nine-point cushion going into the latest round of fixtures.
The Dons have only won one trophy in 22 years but there is renewed optimism that a new chairman, new investment and a tie-up with MLS side Atlanta United can see them begin to compete with Rangers and Celtic on a more level playing field.
Derek McInnes’ side are playing well and 18-goal Sam Cosgrove will fancy his chances of adding to his tally against the Gers, though his team will again be without key midfielder Craig Bryson and defender Funso Ojo and are sweating on the fitness of Niall McGinn. The latter scored against St Mirren on Saturday and could make his 300th appearance for Aberdeen against Rangers if fit. Possible replacements should McGinn not make the starting line-up include Curtis Main and James Wilson. Goalkeeper Joe Lewis will again captain the side.
Scottish Premiership Betting at William Hill
Rangers Form and Team News
Steven Gerrard may make change for the trip to the north-east with Sunday’s big Hampden date looming on the horizon, though his team can’t afford to drop points with their arch-rivals across the city showing no signs of easing off.
Like Celtic, Rangers have only dropped five points all season. They have won eight and drawn three of their last 11 matches in all competitions and are also competing on four fronts.
Alfredo Morelos could be rested at Pittodrie with Jermaine Defoe returning action off the bench in Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Hearts. Former Dons striker Greg Stewart scored twice in that game and also in September when Rangers beat an off-colour Aberdeen 5-0 at Ibrox.
The Gers have been averaging three goals a game over their last 10 with Colombian international Morelos now having netted in every one of his last 10 starts for Gerrard’s side. He is currently one of the hottest properties in Europe and Rangers will again have to field enquiries in the January transfer window concerning his availability, though his club will place a high valuation on his head.
Aberdeen vs Rangers Live Stats & Betting Odds
Aberdeen vs Rangers Head-to-Heads
Aberdeen have only beaten Rangers once in their last seven meetings at Pittodrie and have beaten the Glasgow giants just twice at home since 2009, though the Dons did win twice at Ibrox last season.
Aberdeen vs Rangers Current Best Odds
Aberdeen 11/2, Draw 7/2, Rangers 8/15 (Odds correct at 1.00pm December 3)
Aberdeen vs Rangers Predictions
Given Aberdeen’s form, this is a real test for Rangers’ self-belief. The manager will desperately want to put one over Celtic on Sunday but can’t afford to play a weakened side at Pittodrie with their hosts also in excellent form. Dons’ manager has been saying that his side aren’t a match for the Gers in public but will not be passing that message on to his players behind closed doors and Aberdeen are one of the few sides in Scotland capable of taking points off the big two. The draw is a general 7/2 and Aberdeen are a general 6/4 +1 on the Handicap betting.
