‘Toughest test’ – Foster sends big warning to Rangers ahead of Ibrox clash
Former Rangers and Aberdeen defender Richard Foster has warned Steven Gerrard that the Gers are in for their “toughest test” when the two teams face off.
The sides face off at Ibrox on Sunday, with Aberdeen able to move with nine points of the Scottish Premiership leaders with a win.
Speaking ahead of the match, Foster said that while Rangers did not need to be great to beat Celtic, they will need to be this weekend.
“This will be the toughest test Rangers have faced so far this season,” said Foster (via Daily Record).
“The Old Firm is the big rivalry, of course, but Steven Gerrard said himself they didn’t have to be great to beat Celtic. But they will have to be to beat Aberdeen and that makes it their toughest test so far. Aberdeen have recovered from all their Covid shenanigans at the start of the term to have a really strong season and Rangers have been excellent.
“Aberdeen drew 0-0 when the teams last met at Ibrox and for a while that would have been a decent enough result for both teams. But there has been a change in the culture under Steven Gerrard. A repeat of that scoreline would be points dropped for them because they are back to needing to win every game, especially at home, and they’ll be expected to win.”
Aberdeen have been in great form this season and currently sit three points adrift of Celtic on 26, 12 points behind Rangers. From their opening 12 matches they have lost twice and possess the second best defence in the division, conceding just 11 times this season (via WhoScored).
The Dons are also unbeaten in the league since September and as Foster notes, will come to Ibrox knowing that they can have a free swing, as they are not expected to get a win.
With the Benfica Europa League meeting approaching rapidly on Thursday, Gerrard will have to manage his squad while also ensuring he gets the result, continuing their unbeaten start to the league season.
Luckily, he has plenty of options and could rotate his midfield and attack substantially between the two matches.
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