Rangers Host Aberdeen in Crucial Scottish Premiership Clash
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Rangers, currently second in the Scottish Premiership, will host Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both teams having a lot to play for. The hosts are looking to end a six-game winless streak, while Aberdeen are fighting to secure European qualification for next season.
According to Sports Mole, Rangers have already secured a second-placed finish in the league, but their campaign has been largely underwhelming. Under the management of Philippe Clement, Rangers recorded only 22 points from their opening 12 league matches, marking their worst start to a top-flight campaign since their return in 2016-17. Although they improved over the remainder of the regular season, repeated periods of inconsistency and disappointing results ultimately led to Clement’s dismissal.
Clement was succeeded by Barry Ferguson, who has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season. Ferguson made an encouraging start, winning four of his first six games and guiding Rangers to the Europa League quarter-finals, but the Gers have since gone winless in their last six matches. As Sports Mole reports, Ferguson will be eager to end this streak and secure a strong finish to the season to boost his chances of securing the permanent role at Ibrox.
Aberdeen, on the other hand, are highly motivated heading into the encounter, as they continue their fight for European qualification through the Scottish Premiership standings. The Dons enjoyed a sensational start to the season, with new boss Jimmy Thelin not tasting defeat in his first 16 matches in charge of the club, managing 15 wins and one draw. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn, and they embarked on a miserable run of just two wins in 17 games.
As Sports Mole notes, Thelin was able to steer the team out of their rut, securing four wins, three draws and only one loss in their last eight league games to ensure a top-half finish in the table. The positive momentum continued as they defeated Hearts 2-1 in extra-time of the Scottish FA Cup semi-final, booking a Hampden Park matchup with Celtic at the end of May.
Team News
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Rangers have several injury concerns, with Dujon Sterling and Ridvan Yilmaz ruled out for the remainder of the season. Tom Lawrence is also a doubt for the Gers, while Mohammed Diomande and Ianis Hagi are expected to be assessed for fitness. Sports Mole reports that Nedim Bajrami could drop into midfield, with Hamza Igamane returning to the starting 11.
Aberdeen are anticipated to be without the services of up to five players, including Ester Sokler, Gavin Molloy, Kristers Tobers, Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Vicente Besuijen. A lacklustre attacking performance in last week’s 1-0 loss to St Mirren could see Thelin opt to make several forward changes in this one, meaning the likes of Pape Habib Gueye and Oday Dabbagh could start.
Predicted Lineups
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Rangers possible starting lineup: Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Bajrami, Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Igamane, Dessers
Aberdeen possible starting lineup: Mitov; Devlin, Dorrington, Knoester, Shinnie; Palaversa, Clarkson; Morris, Dabbagh, Gueye; Nisbet
Match Prediction
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Sports Mole predicts a 2-1 win for Rangers, citing Aberdeen’s poor away record this season as a key factor. With Ferguson eager to secure his debut Ibrox victory, the hosts are expected to triumph.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match, please click here.
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