Rangers vs Aberdeen: Preview, Team News, Predictions

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There's never a dull moment when Rangers and Aberdeen meet.

This fiercely competitive tie has had its fair share of controversy in the past, with Kyle Lafferty's play-acting antics and Fernando Ricksen's kung-fu kick making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Although the days of spitting at players, coin-throwing and supporter scuffles seem to be buried in the past, you can never rule out a bit of drama when these sides come together—and this Sunday should be no different.

Craig Brown's Aberdeen side won their first game of the new season last weekend with a 2-1 triumph over Highland rivals Inverness Caley.

Ally McCoist's Rangers team also recorded a victory, winning 3-0 against Motherwell which propelled them to the top of the table.

Let's look at how both sides match up.

Match Preview

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Rangers's record with Aberdeen last season was played three, won three.

The Dons did beat the Gers on the final day of the 2007-08 season which lost the Govan side the league, but the Reds have only recorded one win over their fierce rivals in the 10 times that the sides have met since. 

However, Aberdeen narrowly lost 1-0 to Celtic earlier in the month, and this could give them a confidence boost prior to this weekend's big game.

Craig Brown's men currently sit in 10th place in the SPL with four points from five games, whilst Rangers sit at the top of the pile with 10 points, having played one match less than their opposition.

Rangers, meanwhile, beat Motherwell 3-0 last weekend, but may be slightly fatigued come Sunday due to European exertions.

The Glasgow men play Slovenian champions Maribor at Ibrox tonight, looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit to progress to the Europa League group stages.

Rangers Team News

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Rangers have no new injury concerns for their game against the Dons, but defenders Davie Weir, Sasa Papac and Kyle Bartley remain on the sidelines.

Lee McCulloch returns to the team following a knee injury, and former Buddies centre-back Kirk Broadfoot could make the bench as he has recovered from a foot problem.

American midfielder Maurice Edu also comes back from suspension.

New signings and Edu's international teammates Carlos Bocanegra & Alejandro Bedoya should make their highly-anticipated domestic debuts for Rangers after finally being granted work permits.

However, fellow new arrival Matt McKay may have to wait a little longer before playing his first competitive game for the club as he still needs to obtain a visa.

Aberdeen Team News

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New Aberdeen signing Mohamed Chalali could make his first SPL start for the club in Sunday's match.

The Algerian Under-23 international striker is "ready to explode onto the scene", according to boss Craig Brown, and came on in the second half of the Dons' League Cup tie against Dundee on Tuesday.

Kari Arnason and Chris Clark both picked up injuries in their side's 1-0 win, but the two are expected to recover in time for the visit to Ibrox.

However, Rob Milsom (groin) and Youl Mawene (hamstring) are still doubts. 

Prediction

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This hotly-contested fixture could go either way.

Although Rangers have only lost once in the last 10 meetings between the two sides, Craig Brown's Aberdeen will be buoyed by their two victories on the bounce.

Rangers also enjoyed a morale-boosting league victory last week and will be confident of another win, but should they lose to NK Maribor in tonight's Europa League qualifier, their courage will be severely dented.

All things considered, I'm backing Ally McCoist's side to prevail.

Colin's Prediction: Rangers 3-0 Aberdeen