Rangers v Aberdeen: Lee McCulloch and Alan Rough predict Viaplay Cup final showdown
Lee McCulloch and Alan Rough have both predicted a 2-1 win for Rangers when they take on Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup final this weekend.
The Gers take on top-flight rivals Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Sunday (17 December) seeking their first silverware under Philippe Clement.
Aberdeen are unbeaten in two league meetings with Rangers this term, winning one 3-1 and drawing the other 1-1 three weeks ago.
However, speaking on PLZ Soccer – The Football Show [15 December, 25m 27s], McCulloch and Rough were unanimous with their predictions.
“I think it’ll be a great game, a super tight one,” McCulloch said. “The injuries and suspensions Rangers have got will make things more difficult.
“The middle of the pitch will be the dominant area, and you could argue for Rangers that’s their weakest area right now.
“That’s probably actually the strongest area of the Aberdeen team, and upfront as well, so that’s possibly where the game will be won and lost.
“I think it’ll be really tight, but I think Rangers [will win it] 2-1.”
Rough added: “Like Lee, I think it’s going to be very, very tight. Both teams have players who can win the final.
“But I just think Rangers have got too much and will eventually sneak it. I think 2-1, something like that, in 90 minutes.”
Onus on the Gers
Not a single Rangers fan making the trip to Hampden Park is expecting a walkover of any sort given the quality in Aberdeen’s ranks.
Indeed, whether it be under Michael Beale or the far more impressive Clement, the Gers have not managed to overcome the Dons this season.
The Gers will still be favourites, and the onus will be on them to find a way through their opponents in what is a massive showdown.
Rangers are unbeaten under Clement and have found a way to see off more opponents than not, so fingers crossed for the same here.
While it would be easy to say Aberdeen have nothing to lose, that is not strictly true. Their supporters will consider this a winnable fixture.
It makes for a fascinating contest between two teams that will give their all to come away from it victorious, but ultimately only one will do so.
In other Rangers news, the Gers must swallow their pride with a transfer decision following news that emerged this week.