IT'S the fixture where Aberdeen metamorphosis into Brazil 70 from San Marino if you listen to the noise when the Dons host Rangers on Sunday.
Fresh from a 6-0 battering from Celtic, Barry Robson's side entertain a rejuvenated Rangers at Pittodrie and that means they will be guaranteed to raise their game because they always do when playing against the Ibrox side…according to critics.
So do they and will they?
As always with these things, the truth lies somewhat in between. Robson has already guided Aberdeen to two wins in his three meetings with Rangers, while his record against Celtic is lamentable.
But when you dig deeper into it, Abetrdeen have only defeated Rangers at home twice in their last 12 meetings at Pittodrie and famously didn't win at Ibrox for 26 years from 1991 to 2017. So it's hardly a hoodoo for Rangers.
The sensible thing to look at here is that Rangers have markedly improved under Philippe Clement who has his side organised and has turned players previously written off as duds into ones who have a bright future.
Aberdeen have been wildly inconsistent. Excellent performances this season against PAOK and Eintracht Frankfurt away, Rangers away and getting to the Viaplay Cup Final have been spoiled by absolute howlers like that Celtic humiliation and defeats to Kilmarnock and Hibs in the league.
How the bookies view it
Aberdeen are 5/1 outsiders with bet365. Rangers are 11/20 favourites with UniBet and the draw is 16/5 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
As stated, Aberdeen won 3-1 at Ibrox this season – a result which cost Michael Beale his job. Last season, Rangers won four out of the five games including in the League Cup semi-final.
Players to watch
Bojan Miovski has almost single-handedly saved Aberdeen's season and the North Macedonian striker won a penalty against England this week. The Dons top scorer is 13/5 with bet365 to net on Sunday.
Danilo has been in good form and the Brazilian ace is 11/8 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Aberdeen have had two weeks to lick their wounds after that Celtic thumping and will be desperate to prove a point, but the facts remain they have won just one solitary game at Pittodrie in all competitions this season…and that was against Ross County.
They are very likely to run Rangers close here, but you have to back the Ibrox side on current form now they have a proper management team in place. Back them to win by one goal at 11/4 with bet365.
Rangers have been racking up the corners recently, but Aberdeen are a team that conceded plenty. In fact, it must be some sort of record that Aberdeen have failed to win a single corner in their last two games at PAOK and Celtic and conceded 24.
With that in mind, back Rangers in the corners handicaps at -3 at a decent 8/5 with UniBet.
This Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Rangers will be played on Nov 26, 2023 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Aberdeen vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
