Michael Stewart makes new Rangers v Aberdeen prediction after what he has seen
Rangers face a "big challenge" at high-flying Aberdeen on 30 October if they're to come away with a victory, Michael Stewart has said.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene (27 October), Stewart said that despite the 2-1 win over St. Mirren at Ibrox, he still has Aberdeen as favourites at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen are currently six points clear of the Light Blues at the top of the Premiership table and remain unbeaten alongside Celtic, with both sides level on 25 points after nine matches.
Stewart said: "Winning games at Ibrox isn't necessarily going to be the defining factor in the campaign for Rangers.
"You're going away to Pittodrie on Wednesday – that's where the challenge is, that's where the questions are going to be posed of you, and are you going to be able to come up with the answers then?
"Aberdeen have got an opportunity to pull nine points ahead of them. That's the big challenge for Rangers at the moment.
"Forget about the longevity of the season and trying to close down Celtic; Aberdeen at Pittodrie – are they capable of winning that game? I've got to say, for me, Aberdeen are favourites at the moment."
Nothing less than a win will do for Rangers v Aberdeen
It's arguably still too early in the season to say that defeat at Pittodrie would be terminal for the Gers' title chances, but going nine points behind Aberdeen – and potentially Celtic too – could be just that.
A 2-1 win over St. Mirren off the back of their 4-0 demolition of FCSB in the Europa League does give Philippe Clement's side impetus as they head north, but they must make that momentum count.
Aberdeen have been this season's surprise package under Jimmy Thelin so far, whereas few fans have been surprised with some of the disjointed football produced by the Light Blues at times this term.
While Clement's men were embarrassed 3-0 at Parkhead in the first Old Firm of the season, Aberdeen held the Hoops to a 2-2 draw nine days ago to rubber-stamp their title credentials.
That's exactly what Clement must do when his side pitch up at Pittodrie, and many will feel that if they don't come away with all three points, the Gers can kiss goodbye to their title hopes.
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