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

sportsmole.co.uk, 15 December 2023, 20:39
Rangers and Aberdeen will have the opportunity to claim the first silverware of the season on Sunday when they compete in the Scottish League Cup final.

The Gers are undefeated in their previous 14 matches across all competitions, meanwhile the Dons head into this one following a victory in the Europa Conference League.

Match preview

No team has won the Scottish League Cup more times than Rangers, which will help the team go into this match with plenty of confidence, particularly because they are in an excellent run of form at the moment in all competitions.

However, after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Celtic in the final last season the Gers will be aiming to go one step further this season to give the fans something to celebrate while showcasing genuine progression.

Having not lost a game since the start of October, Phillipe Clement's men should have plenty of belief, particularly following a hard-fought victory against Real Betis in midweek.

Goals from Abdallah Sima, Cyriel Dessers, and Kemar Roofe secured the 3-2 win in the Europa League, marking the second game in a row they have found the back of the net three times.

Rangers also scored a trio of goals in the semi-final when they dispatched Hearts, with the team having been full of attacking quality in the competition this season which they will be hoping provides the difference on Sunday.

While there might be seven places between the two teams in the Scottish Premiership table, Aberdeen will be aiming to cause an upset in the final in a bid to secure some gold.

The Dons should have confidence in their own right considering they secured their only victory in the Europa Conference League group stage in midweek by defeating Eintracht Frankfurt.

Goals from Duk and Ester Sokler proved to be enough as Barry Robson's team were also able to keep a clean sheet, and a strong defensive performance will be needed in this match considering the attacking qualities of their opponents.

Aberdeen had to work hard to earn their place in the final on Sunday after a tight game against Hibernian where Bojan Miovski's 78th-minute goal proved to be the decider.

The Dons have also caused problems for Rangers this season in their two meetings to this point, securing a win and a draw in those games proving they are capable of defeating the Gers.

Rangers Scottish League Cup form:

W

W

W

Rangers form (all competitions):

D

D

W

W

W

W

Aberdeen Scottish League Cup form:

W

W

W

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

D

D

L

L

W

W

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Team News

The attacking qualities of Sima will be used by Rangers this weekend after finding the back of the net once again in midweek.

Ross McCausland retained his place in the team during their Europa League victory in midweek, and recent impressive efforts should see him retain his spot.

Angus MacDonald came into the Aberdeen starting lineup in midweek to captain the side, and after a positive performance, he might retain his place in the team.

The visitors will be without Jack McKenzie for the final due to suspension as the fullback was sent off during the semi-final.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Barisic; Lundstram, Cifuentes, Cantwell; McCausland, Dessers, Sima

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, MacDonald; Milne, Clarkson, Shinnie, Hayes, McGrath; Duk, Sokler

We say: Rangers 3-1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen will be out to make this game awkward for their opponents considering the occasion, and that should lead to some tense moments throughout the match.

However, the attacking capabilities of the Gers coupled with the brilliant run that they are on could make them difficult to top.

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