Rangers have been chasing Aberdeen all season and that chase is all coming to a head over the next few weeks. Still well adrift of the Dons, Rangers know their best chance of somehow hauling them in is only possible if they win both of the remaining fixtures against Derek McInnes’ side.
The first match-up comes on Sunday when the two sides face-off in a massive clash at Pittodrie. Aberdeen were the victors when they welcome the Gers up North earlier in the season and will fancy their chances of obtaining a positive result again. They’ve won their last five matches in all competitions, including a 7-0 thrashing of Dundee last Friday night.
That’s the form Pedro Caixinha’s team are up against in the Portuguese’s first taste of one of Scottish football’s regularly most anticipated games.
Where will this match be one and lost?
Here are the THREE big battles on the pitch that will decide the outcome of this one…
Adam Rooney vs Rob Kiernan
With Rob Kiernan rested for Rangers’ match against Kilmarnock, specifically for this game, Pedro Caixinha obviously sees their defensive set-up as a key part to gaining a result at Pittodrie.
Kiernan has had a difficult season for the Light Blues, not exactly endearing himself to supporters after a string of poor performances and defensive mistakes.
In Adam Rooney he faces a striker that his heading towards his third consecutive 20+ goal season at the Dons, a fantastic record that highlights his important to Derek McInnes’ side over the last few years. He’s due a goalscoring spree too, having scored just one goal in Aberdeen’s last six matches.
At home, backed by his supporters, he’ll fancy hitting the headlines again and if he can exploit the weaknesses of Kiernan, it could be a long day for the travelling support.
James Tavernier vs Niall McGinn
The debate on whether Rangers should play James Tavernier or Lee Hodson at right back rumbles on at Rangers but after illness ruled Hodson out of their last match, it’s a decision that may not have to be made.
Regardless, Tavernier would likely get the nod anyway, despite supporter’s concerned that he is not disciplined enough to be an effective defensive performer, especially against the better teams in the Scottish top-flight.
Up against Niall McGinn that will be important, given he is one of the most accomplished wingers in the country. Aberdeen are hoping to hold on to him beyond his contract expiration in the summer but with 13 goals so far this season, that may not be possible.
He has the ability to really punish Rangers, especially if Tavernier takes it on himself to commit to the final third. If his time is indeed limited at Pittodrie then he’ll be wanting to give everything in the final games of the season for the fans and it doesn’t get much sweeter for Dons supporters than a victory against Rangers at home.
Kenny McLean vs Emerson Hyndman
Emerson Hyndman has made quite the impact since joining Rangers on loan from Bournemouth this January. With four goals in twelve appearances, he’s rapidly made himself a hero with the Rangers support. Sunday represents his first trip to Pittodrie and all that entails but he has shown he can thrive in volatile atmospheres already and that shouldn’t phase him.
In Kenny McLean he’ll be pitted against a versatile midfielder who likes to express himself in the final third just like Hyndman. However, he also has the ability to impose himself on the game from deep and counteracting the threat of Hyndman will be key for the Dons midfield this weekend.
Whoever can dominate this midfield area will likely go on to inspire their team to a victory, the question is which midfielder with an eye for goal will it be?
