Aberdeen vs Rangers Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Aberdeen welcome Rangers to Pittodrie this weekend, and if the last meeting is anything to go by, it could be a long afternoon for the home fans. Just a few days ago, Rangers strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win at Ibrox. So, the big question is: can the Dons turn it around on their own patch, or are the Gers about to do the double?

Let's be honest, Aberdeen's form is about as cheerful as a rainy day in January. They've lost four of their last five league games, scoring just one solitary goal in that miserable run. That includes defeats to Falkirk, Hibernian, and Celtic, plus that recent loss to Rangers. They've not kept a clean sheet in their last ten outings in all competitions. Zero. Nada. That's a proper worry when you're facing one of the league's top scorers.

Now, Rangers aren't perfect, but they're sitting pretty in second and have been getting the job done. They've won six of their last ten, including a brilliant 3-1 win away at Celtic. Their away form shows they know how to find the net on the road, bagging an average of two goals per game. Sure, they concede a few more away from home, but against an Aberdeen side that's struggling to hit a barn door, that might not matter.

The head-to-head makes for interesting reading. Rangers have won five of the last nine clashes, but Aberdeen have been a bit of a bogey team at home lately, unbeaten in the last two meetings at Pittodrie (a win and a draw). But that was last season. This season's Aberdeen look a different, and far weaker, beast.

When you crunch the numbers, the bookies have Rangers at 1.75 to win. That feels a bit generous to me. Given the gulf in form, quality, and the fact Rangers just beat them comfortably, I'd have them shorter. Aberdeen's home stats show they create chances (16 shots a game on average) but their finishing has gone walkabout. Rangers are more clinical and far more solid at the back.

Key Points:

Aberdeen have lost 4 of their last 5 league games, failing to score in 3 of them.

Rangers have won 6 of their last 10 and scored an average of 2 goals per away game.

The sides met just 5 days ago, with Rangers winning 2-0.

Aberdeen have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 matches.

• Rangers have kept a clean sheet in 50% of their last 10 games.

In summary, it's hard to see anything but an away win here. Aberdeen are in a rut, Rangers are motoring, and the value in the price is too good to ignore. Sometimes football is simple.