It’s now at the must win stage for Rangers as we play Aberdeen today, I won’t say welcome because these games are never friendly. It’s their cup final and a fragile Rangers must stand up to what will be a physical encounter.
They will be organised and will have watched Livingston last week for a guide in how they can restrict Rangers. That means it’s up to Rangers to do something different and really turn up today not only in result but also performance.
It’s been negative recently but football can swing in a second so Rangers have to dig in and fight for everything. I just have a hope or feeling that will happen today.
The team to do that will be
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier, Ridvan, King, Davies, Lundstrum, Sands, Tillman, Colak, Kent, Fashion Jr.
SUBS: McLaughlin, Davis, Matondo, Morelos, Wright, McCann, Barisic, Arfield, Devine.
First half action
5 mins – CHANCE! Kent faces up McCrorie and passes him, his cut back over from Sakala and who looked awkward in the attempt. 0-0
7 mins – INJURY – Ridvan is OFF Barisic ON. He was holding his hamstring after a block out for a corner. 0-0
9 mins – FREE KICK Tavernier hits one straight at the Aberdeen keeper. 0-0
15 mins – CHANCE Aberdeen corner goes straight across and Rangers break, Lundstram works it well to Kent who drills a left foot shot wide. 0-0
17 mins – SHOT Lundstram hits a shot at the keeper, easy gather. 0-0
20 mins – SHOT Another tame effort keeper easily gathers from Čolak. But no criticism, don’t shoot don’t score. 0-0
21mins – GOAL Aberdeen take the lead. Barron lashes in a drive as Rangers caught defensively. 0-1
25 mins – CHANCE Sakala and Čolak one two frees Fashion and it breaks to Kent, no purchase on the effort and cleared off the line. 0-1
27 mins – GOOOOAAAALLLL! Čolak! Lundstram pass to Tillman and he squares it for Antonio who sweeps home! 1-1
36 mins – CAUTION Ramadani 📒 He hauls back Tillman who us causing problems for Aberdeen with his running. 1-1
40 mins – CHANCE! Awwww Sakala is in but a heavy extra touch and GK blocks! That was a guilt edge chance.
Again Kent in from clearance and Sakala deflected over!
Rangers pressure! Much more like it.
45 mins – GOOOOAAAAALLLLL YESSSSSSSS!!!! Tavernier snap shot is well saved, Davies passes it back to Lundstram to slam home ! GET IN! That’s deserved!
Second half action
SUBSTITUTION HT – Ben Davies OFF Scott Arfield ON
46 mins – CHANCE Aberdeen straight on the attack and Duk heads over. 2-1
51 mins – GOOOOAAAALLLL! Tavernier with a thundering header after a Barisic cross! Full back to full back, it’s been a while! 3-1 Rangers!
58 mins – VAR Penalty check for Rangers, clear handball. PENALTY GIVEN!
MISSED! Tavernier’s Penalty hits the outside of the post and goes clear, a poor effort by the skipper. 3-1
73 mins – OFF THE LINE! Arfield with a great effort but well defended, then Lundstram has an effort blocked also. 3-1
SUBSTITUTION – Colak OFF Morelos ON
82 mins – OFFSIDE goal! Fashion with a great run and Morelos tucks it away but is offside. VAR checks and confirms. 3-1
85 mins – GOAAALLLL! Another VAR check as Alfredo taps in at back post, lovely play by Fashion again to assist. It stands! 4-1
90+4 – CAUTION Coulson 📒
90 + 4 – CAUTION Duncan 📒
90 + 4 – CHANCE! Tillman wide from Alfredo square ball. That was a chance and he deserved it a lot.
FULL TIME – RANGERS 4 ABERDEEN 1
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst post match press conference –
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Four Lads Had A Dream 