Scott Arfield shares Rangers verdict ahead of ViaPlay Cup final v Aberdeen
Scott Arfield has urged Rangers to avoid a repeat of the 2019 League Cup final as the former player is worried Aberdeen can cause them problems.
Speaking via the Scottish Daily Mail [12 December, page 71], Arfield remembered back to when the Gers faced Celtic in 2019 and lost to a controversial goal despite dominating for the majority of the game.
With a final against Aberdeen on the horizon, following a trip to Real Betis in a Europa League showdown, the former Rangers midfielder is aware of the threat that their opponents hold.
“We were at it during that game but Celtic took their opportunity – albeit it was offside – and they won,” he said, looking back to the 2019 League Cup final.
“We were good but had nothing to show for it. Aberdeen have got that about them.
“We saw in their 3-1 [win] at Ibrox earlier this season how effective they can be. They are a team to be reckoned with and it will be a tough game, so when chances come along, they will be huge – and Rangers have to take them.”
Revisiting history
Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Ryan Jack will be all too familiar with the feeling of losing a cup final, all members of the side that faced Celtic in 2019.
And despite sitting in ninth in the Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen are not a side to be overlooked, especially in a one-off match in the final of a tournament.
The Gers also have a tough recent history against the Dons, with Rangers claiming victory once in the previous four meetings. Philippe Clement will take confidence from his side’s win over the opposition during the League Cup final in January 2023.
While many will admit that either side could claim victory on Sunday, the Gers will look to take the game to Hampden Park and lift another piece of silverware ahead of a difficult second half of the season.
Injuries could be a massive factor come the final next weekend, with Nico Raskin and Jack unlikely to feature, Danilo sidelined and Tom Lawrence suffering yet another setback.
This match will by no means be an easy task. Clement will need to prepare his men for a fierce and pumped-up opposition in Aberdeen.
In other Rangers news, the club may now rekindle the transfer interest in a ‘Dynamic’ central midfielder amid a recent behind-the-scenes coup.