Rangers take on Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Saturday, with Derek McInnes looking to end his trophy drought as Gers boss against his former side.
After a trophyless season last term, McInnes has a chance to take a major step towards silverware. Rangers have turned a corner following a ropey start to the season and are aiming for the title, but will look to snare the first medal on offer this term.
Aberdeen are enduring a nightmare start to the Premiership season, languishing in the lower reaches of the table just a point above the relegation spots, with only two wins from their last nine league games. The lacklustre display on home turf against Falkirk has cranked up the pressure on boss Stephen Robinson, who is in dire need of a result at the national stadium.
Robinson's Cup Pedigree
Robinson has been here before, just last season in fact, as his St Mirren side claimed this trophy by stunning Celtic in the final. He will need more of that on Saturday if he is to pull off the shock result.
Here is how the Record Sport team thinks the game will go:
Record Sport Predictions
Andy Newport: Gers were far from their best at Tynecastle the other night but were still able to scrape a draw against Derek McInnes' old side. Now he'll be looking to disappoint his old Dons supporters for the second time this season. Given the way the Pittodrie men are performing right now, it should be straightforward for Rangers. Stephen Robinson's side have seen confidence levels crumble and really shouldn't present much of a challenge for their Glasgow opponents. Rangers 2 Aberdeen 0
Michael Gannon: Rangers can be unpredictable and have a tendency to go through drop offs during games. But Aberdeen are on very shaky ground right now, they are struggling to score goals and leaking at the back. It's a dangerous combo and an early Gers goal would be practically game over. Derek McInnes's side will have too much with room to spare. Rangers 3 Aberdeen 0
Mark Pirie: Aberdeen don't come into this game in a good place, and anything other than a win could spell the end of Stephen Robinson's time at Pittodrie. The Dons' support have already hit their breaking point after the loss to Falkirk in midweek with the club staring at a relegation battle. Rangers are likely to pile on the misery this weekend. Rangers 2 Aberdeen 0
Robbie Copeland: Rangers aren't exactly flying but Aberdeen are suffering badly. They can't seem to buy a run of form and it's beginning to seem like Stephen Robinson's days are numbered. I don't anticipate a turn-up for the books here and it may well end up being one of the final nails in their manager's coffin. Rangers 3 Aberdeen 1
Daniel Caw: I fear this could end up being a really sore one for Aberdeen. Rangers might not quite be the finished article, but their front two of Naderi and Kelsy look like an absolute nightmare to play against, particularly when backed-up by the likes of Kim Minsu and Badredine Boanani. Stephen Robinson looked like a beaten man following the 1-0 defeat at home to Falkirk earlier this week, and I fear he could be feeling even worse around 8pm on Saturday night. Rangers 4 Aberdeen 0
Pressure on McInnes
Gavin Berry: Rangers will win but it might not be the absolute mauling that so many are predicting. There is a pressure on Derek McInnes and his men that comes from the state the Dons are in right now but they have the quality and character to cope with it and put McInnes to within 90 minutes of his first trophy at Ibrox. Rangers 2 Aberdeen 0
Ross Pilcher: Rangers will be looking for a response after getting out of jail at Tynecastle and Aberdeen are probably the one team everyone wants to play right now. The Dons were dismal against Falkirk and fan pressure is piling on Stephen Robinson. Derek McInnes can smell a first final as Gers boss and they should be too strong for the Reds. Rangers 2 Aberdeen 0
