ABERDEEN v RANGERS
Jason: Third place not on for this club OURBIG-MATCH PREDICTIONS
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE (2) Everton v Leicester ................. 4.0 (6) Sunderland v Man Utd ............ 1.30 LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP (44) Aberdeen v Rangers .......... 12.30 Athletic Bilbao 1. Eintracht Frankfurt 2, Werder Bremen 2. Lille 1, Nice 2. Sparta Rotterdam 2, Excelsior 3. Feirense 0, Braga 1. Zulte 1. QPR 1, Villarreal 3, Oostende 1,
Cork 3, Derry 0; Bray 1, Galway 0; St Patrick’s 0, Limerick 2; Finn Harps 0, Dundalk 2; Drogheda United 2, Shamrock Rovers 1. JASON HOLT has laid it on the line and told his team-mates finishing third in the Premiership is unacceptable.
The midfielder admits Rangers’ chances of finishing runners-up if they don’t beat Aberdeen tomorrow are slim.
Holt said: “The table doesn’t lie – 12 points is a big gap. It’s something we’re disappointed with as a squad of players at the moment, although there is still time for that to change.
“The gaffer is probably right about winning against Aberdeen to keep alive our chances of finishing second. If we don’t win it will be extremely difficult but it’s a challenge we thrive on.
“If we don’t finish second it would be a massive disappointment and not acceptable for this club. There are still games to play and the chances of finishing second are realistic, even if the gap is big and difficult to make up. It’s still achievable.
“It’s a game to look forward to, we know the history between the clubs. At Pittodrie earlier this season we performed well and were really unlucky not to come away with anything. But ultimately a defeat was not good.”
Aberdeen haven’t lost at home in the league since the end of October – when Celtic won 1-0 – and are on a streak at Pittodrie of 12 matches without a loss.
Holt added: “Their home record is terrific, fair play to them. It’s not easy going up there but the expectations are still on us as Rangers to win, no matter how many points there are between us in the table.
“We’ll be positive and confident.
“I’m enjoying working with the new gaffer. I’m full of praise for him. He’s trying to implement his ideas and we’ve tried our best to put them into practice during games.
“We did it against Hamilton and in the last two games we’ve put the things we’ve practised into the games without getting the required results.
“Everyone is playing for their futures – and rightly so. Every time you step on the training pitch you must prove you’re worthy of a place in his squad.” KEITH JACKSON Aberdeen 3 Rangers 1 Aberdeen are miles out in front of Rangers for a reason. They’ll show why.
Aberdeen 1 Rangers 1 Magnitude of the game will see Rangers raise their game but not enough to get a win against a side formidable at home.
Aberdeen 2 Rangers 2 A lot depends on how Rangers cope with Aberdeen in wide areas. Expect open and entertaining game with plenty of goals.
Aberdeen 2 Rangers 0 Dons are a well-oiled machine right now and they will have too much for Rangers.
Aberdeen 2 Rangers 0 The home side are stronger and better equipped and I think they’ll show it.
Aberdeen 3 Rangers 1 Aberdeen could win this handsomely. There is no evidence to suggest Pedro Caixinha’s side can go there and win.