match thread (image) [FT] Aberdeen 1 - 1 Rangers (Worrall 48)

[Rousseau 9,360]

Steven Gerrard looks to take Rangers a step closer to their first major silverware since 2011 as they go to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup last eight.

 

The former Liverpool midfielder, who won the English FA Cup twice with the Reds, has seen his side win three on the trot, scoring 14 goals and conceding none.

 

He cannot wait for the tie at Pittodrie on Sunday, particularly the hostile environment.

 

"The players are in a good place, there has been a lot of positivity in our play in recent weeks," said Gerrard.

 

"But we're aware that this cup tie is a big challenge for us. It's a huge game for us, a competition we want to do really well in, so we can't wait for the game to start.

 

"You don't want to be remembered as just a good player, you want to be remembered as a winner.

 

"That's always the challenge, but for me it's a wonderful game to look forward to as a player, to go to Pittodrie in that hostile environment, against a good Aberdeen team, that's got to be exciting for a player."

 

Aberdeen trail Rangers by one place but eight points in the Scottish Premiership, and manager Derek McInnes feels it will take a big performance to knock Gerrard's side out.

 

"Rangers are a good side but on the day we'll pick an 11 that we feel can do the job. It'll take a big performance but we are obviously capable of winning the game."

 

Team news

 

Scott Arfield and Andy Halliday are both doubts for Rangers going into Sunday's game, having not quite recovered from injury.

 

Max Lowe, James Wilson and Gary Mackay-Steven are in with a chance for Aberdeen. Greg Halford, signed as a free transfer this week, is not match fit but could feature for the hosts.

 

https://www.skysports.com/football/aberdeen-vs-rangers/preview/406305

[buster. 4,808]

Huge game !

 

If Morelos can stay on the pitch and Arfield can make the starting XI, I'd be confident of us being in the semi-final draw.

 

First and foremost it'll be about attitude then the football. I can see both teams being up for this and it being another battle. We'll have to be fully up for it but without losing the heid or giving the referee an opportunity to get the red card out.

 

It's the middle of the park where SG will probably have to make the difficult calls....team news less than 3 hours away.

 

--------------

 

Meaningless Aside of the Day (MAD)

Going into this season, we hadn't played Aberdeen in any Cup competition for 15 seasons.

Waiting ages for a bus then two come along...........

 

 

 

Edited March 3, 2019 by buster.

[pete 2,499]

Shinnie v Kamara will be quite a battle. Technical skill v brawn and limited technical skill.

[buster. 4,808]

5 minutes ago, pete said:

Shinnie v Kamara will be quite a battle. Technical skill v brawn and limited technical skill.

Is Kamara our best option for this battle game ?

 

If Arfield is available then there is a good case to be made for not changing it. 

If not then it's how a midfield combination would work in this particular game rather than individual for individual.

 

Will McCrorie be considered ?

 

Who would replace Arfield and play his role ?

 

 

Edited March 3, 2019 by buster.

[der Berliner 3,234]

If we can produce the same form of the last three games, we should be fine. Aberdeen will be up for it and have some decent players. Press them high  and early, as we did with the others, and their defence will be vulnerable. With a bit of luck, they'll be without GMS, which will rob them of their main threat.

 

Arfield, Kamara and Jack for me in midfield.

[26th of foot 5,827]

I believe Arfield has declared himself fit?

 

Dependent upon Gerrard's take on his fitness.

[Gonzo79 13,585]

We have to win today.

[Franc Ergs 1,351]

As with the previous two games, we play with the same fast tempo ,high pressing ,then we're capable of killing this tie off in the first half.

[ian1964 10,409]

 

[compo 6,118]

The manager will have to hammer into El Buffalo not to fall for any dirty stuff or goading  from the opposition players and management,  if he keeps his cool he will score today .