Philippe Clement set for big test against ‘dangerous’ Aberdeen in ‘blood and guts’ Rangers clash – BBC Sport’s Tom English
The clash between Rangers and Aberdeen will be a “blood and guts” affair and represents a “big test” for Philippe Clement and his new side’s psychology, according to Tom English.
The BBC Sport journalist said on the Scottish Football Podcast on 24 November, ahead of the return to SPFL action after the international break, that the Dons are a “dangerous” team on big days, of which Sunday 26 November will be one, despite coming off a 6-0 “pasting” by Celtic last time out.
The run up to the game has seen a debate over the Dandies’ record against the Gers compared to others amid suggestions and denials that they raise their game for the Light Blues more than anyone.
English said (3m 30s): “Blood and guts, always the same. It could be a terrific game. Obviously the Dons are off the back of a pasting by Celtic, Rangers are in good form.
“But Aberdeen, Pittodrie, is going to be tricky for them. This’ll be a big test of Clement’s mettle, and this new Rangers team’s mettle, the new psychology in this Rangers team’s mettle.
“It will be very interesting to see how they go. Aberdeen are a dangerous team, it doesn’t always look like it, but they are capable of big results on big days and this Sunday will be a big day.”
Momentum
Clement has maintained a 100% SPFL record since coming in to replace Michael Beale and will know that has to continue this weekend.
Whether the Dons do indeed raise their game to face the Light Blues or not after capitulating against Celtic last time out shouldn’t ultimately matter to the Rangers players.
If they play to their full potential they should be able to secure the necessary three points, and having finally put together a decent run of form that is surely not beyond them.
Whether the interruption of the international break came at an inopportune time for Clement and a good time for Barry Robson is a valid question, but the Belgian should still expect to get a performance from his side.
Since Rangers will have two games in hand on Celtic by the time the game kicks off, with the gap to the leaders potentially stretched to 11 points by then, the need to come away with the win is obvious.
The new manager has lifted the atmosphere around the club and the performances on the pitch in large part, but a slip up here would undo a lot of that good work.
In other Rangers news, the Gers could now sign a 49-goal pair of strikers in back-to-back windows.