Preview: Aberdeen vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

Aberdeen are currently ninth in the table and will be focusing on pushing away from the relegation zone this weekend.

Match preview

It has been a busy and difficult start to the season for Aberdeen due to playing in the Europa Conference League, and consistent form has proven hard to come by for the team.

The Dons have won just three of their 11 Scottish Premiership fixtures to this point, drawing a further three and losing five which has left them in the bottom half of the table.

Aberdeen sit just two points above the foot of the table right now, and that certainly places a level of pressure on Barry Robson's men since a defeat could sink them into the relegation zone.

They will need to step up from their last efforts against one of the Old Firm rivals during their previous outing as Celtic dispatched them with a heavy 6-0 defeat.

That result is one that Aberdeen will be keen to put behind them, especially since goal difference could play an important factor in league positioning.

The Dons will have to step up if they want any chance of getting a result this weekend considering the impressive form that Rangers are in the midst of.

The Gers have not been beaten in their previous eight matches across all competitions as Philippe Clement has settled into life in Scotland perfectly.

Rangers do have their work cut out in terms of closing the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership league table as there are already eight points between them.

However, with the Gers having played one game less there is the chance of shrinking that gap if they are able to remain consistent with the points they pick up.

Clement's men secured a 2-0 win during their previous outing prior to the international break with goals from Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier proving to be enough on the day.

The clean sheet was further proof of the impressive defensive setup that Rangers have at the moment, with no team having conceded fewer than them so far in the league.

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

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Aberdeen form (all competitions):

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Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

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Rangers form (all competitions):

D

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Team News

Conor Barron and Jamie McGrath both missed out on Aberdeen's defeat against Celtic due to injury problems, and there will be question marks over them this weekend.

Bojan Miovski was welcomed back into the team for that fixture though, and his attacking qualities could be relied upon once again to try and crack the Rangers defensive unit.

Steven Davis remains an injury concern for Rangers as he continues to rehabilitate his knee injury, with the experienced Northern Irishman not expected back just yet.

Todd Cantwell and Danilo will likely make their way back into the starting lineup on Sunday as well after being rested during their most recent outing against Livingston.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, Rubezic, Jensen, McKenzie; Polvara, Shinnie, Hayes, Clarkson; Duk

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Yilmaz; Cantwell, Lundstram; Wright, Lammers, Sima; Danilo

We say: Aberdeen 0-3 Rangers

Rangers are in strong form as of late, and competing against an inconsistent Aberdeen could be an ideal fixture to continue that run.

The attacking quality of the Gers is likely going to prove too much for the hosts here, leading to the visitors taking all three points.

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