The fact Rangers duo Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf escaped with just fines from the SFA’s Disciplinary Committee for their conduct in the Scottish Cup clash at Celtic on March 2 should supply the side with the lift required to see off Aberdeen in Wednesday’s must-win SPL clash at Pittodrie (Rangers 1/2 Away Win 90 Minutes).
The Gers’ assistant boss Ally McCoist will also be able to patrol the touchline after winning his appeal against a charge of misconduct following his altercation with Hoops boss Neil Lennon in the same game.
It is a timely boost for Walter Smith’s side, who travel to face the Dons knowing three points are a must to keep the pressure on Old Firm rivals Celtic (4/9 SPL Outright) in the battle for the SPL crown this season.
Rangers (13/8 Outright) could trail Celtic by five points going into the game should the Hoops win at St Johnstone on Tuesday (21/20 Celtic and Rangers Win Old Firm Double Enhanced Multiple), while a shock defeat for Lennon’s men would give the Gers top spot to aim for.
However, despite Richard Foster being ineligible to play under the terms of his loan agreement, Kris Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch and Vladimir Weiss all missing due to respective foot, knee and foot problems, the visitors will fancy their chances of victory.
Rangers have won three and lost just once in their last six away games so go into the match in good shape on the road, despite the recent shock 1-0 home defeat against Dundee United at Ibrox.
Craig Brown’s side have endured a miserable season and they will probably go into the game with one eye firmly on this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final showdown against Celtic.
The Dons chief also has a myriad of injury problems to contend with as defender Rory McArdle and striker Scott Vernon are definitely out and there are serious doubts over David McNamee, Zander Diamond, Derek Young and Nikola Vujadinovic.
Captain Paul Hartley was pulled out of a game at Cove Rangers on Monday and he might have to play some part, despite not being 100% fit.
The Dons lost their previous home game 1-0 to Hibernian on Saturday, while they have won three and lost two of their last six on home soil.
Therefore, the onus is clearly on Rangers to focus fully on securing maximum points against an under-strength and under-performing Aberdeen outfit that is also distracted by a big day out at Hampden Park on Sunday.
There can and will be only one winner in this contest!
Prediction: Draw/Rangers Half Time/Full Time @ 3/1
Value Bet: Diouf & Rangers 2-0 Scorecast @ 22/1
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