It's all about keeping the momentum building ahead of semi-final weekend for Rangers but it doesn't get much tougher in the league these days than a trip to face resurgent Aberdeen.
Michael Beale inspired a response from the damaging derby defeat that effectively ended their title hopes as they put five past St Mirren last week but with Celtic dropping points against Motherwell on Saturday, they can move back to within ten points of their rivals with a win at Pittodrie. Their final post-split fixture though sees them take on a Dons side flying high under Barry Robson and determined to ram home their new-found advantage over Hearts in third place.
For Beale it looks set to be a case of as you were with a number of players still on the sidelines. Ryan Jack, Alex Lowry, Ridvan Yilmaz, Antonio Colak, Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent all remain out alongside long-term absentee Tom Lawrence so rotation options are at a minimum. But there will be a number of stars hoping for the chance to state their case for a start at Hampden on April 30.
One of those is Scott Wright who is back in the squad while Beale hinted at an increased role for Scott Arfield, whose late double sunk the Dons at this venue earlier in the season. Ianis Hagi, Glen Kamara and Rabbi Matondo all got minutes from the bench last weekend while young defender Leon King, currently fourth in the centre-back pecking order, will be hoping to prove his worth in the continued absence of Goldson.
As for Aberdeen, skipper Graeme Shinnie begins a four-match ban but Ylber Ramadani is set to return from illness. Connor Barron is available after a groin problem in a major boost to Barry Robson though while keeper Jay Gorter is back.
Predicted Rangers XI
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
Allan McGregor
Jon McLaughlin
Robby McCrorie
Defenders
- James Tavernier
- Ben Davies
- John Souttar
- Borna Barisic
- Leon King
Midfielders
Glen Kamara
Malik Tillman
Scott Arfield
Todd Cantwell
Nicolas Raskin
John Lundstram
Ianis Hagi
Scott Wright
Forwards
Alfredo Morelos
Fashion Sakala
Rabbi Matondo
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