Aberdeen vs Rangers Prediction: Back goals at Pittodrie on Sunday

An exciting round of Scottish Premiership action continues on Sunday, with Aberdeen hosting Rangers at Pittodrie at 12:00, live on Sky Sports Main Event.

Our Scottish football expert Frank Monkhouse has shared his Aberdeen vs Rangers predictions, featuring the latest odds and team news.

Aberdeen vs Rangers Odds

Aberdeen started the week in fourth in the Premiership table, with their stats for the season showing 14 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats, with 43 goals scored and 47 conceded.

Interestingly, the locals have leaked more goals than any other side in the top six, and they have a worse defensive record than Hearts in midtable.

If you expect Aberdeen to overcome those frailties and secure all three points in Sunday’s derby, you can follow the home win at 23/10. That’s sure to be popular, given the recent form of both teams.

Rangers lost here earlier in the season; at the time, it was a painful result for everyone connected to the club. Months later, and Rangers return to Pittodrie two places higher than their hosts in the pecking order with six more wins and 16 more points.

They’ve proven unable to challenge Celtic for the lead but are well clear of Hibs in third. There’s nothing to play for here in terms of silverware, but the travelling support demand a win and an impressive performance.

Rangers are 21/10 for victory, with a draw trading at 3/1.

Team News

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin is burdened by an extensive injury list ahead of Sunday's clash in the Granite City.

He's likely to be without Vincente Besuijen, Jamie McGrath, Gavin Molloy, Dimitar Mitov, Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Kristers Tobers, who are all nursing injuries.

For Rangers' interim boss Barry Ferguson, Dujon Sterling faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury against Athletic Club in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Bailey Rice is also unlikely to feature this weekend after being stretchered off the pitch in the same fixture, though suggestions are his issue isn't as bad as initially feared.

Over 2.5 goals @ 4/7

I expect a few goals in this one and even more talking points. In the previous two meetings of these sides this season, armchair fans have enjoyed six goals, with Rangers enjoying a 4-2 lead on aggregate. Backing over 2.5 goals would’ve landed you a profit in each of the last three games involving the Dons and Gers.

That run began with a 2-1 home win for Rangers at Ibrox near the end of last season before Aberdeen returned the favour when winning by the same scoreline in October. The most recent game ended in a comfortable 3-0 win to Rangers thanks to goals from Hamza Igamane, Leon Balogun, and Cyriel Dessers. I’m happy to stick with the trends and add over 2.5 goals to weekend accumulators.

Draw @ 3/1

It’s almost impossible to guess what version of Rangers will turn up. They’ve been poor for most of the season, certainly during their domestic campaign, and will end empty-handed as a result. Fans are eager to see the back of much - if not all - of the current squad. That means most in blue are playing for their futures or a move away.

The Aberdeen players won’t need any extra motivation for this game and will want to rediscover the kind of form that saw them beat Rangers here last time. Both teams are decent in attack but dreadful in defence. Aberdeen hold the home advantage and boast the better form, making them a decent bet. But I expect Ferguson to inspire his team to a point.

Offers

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