Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McInnes warns of hostile visit
ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes claims Rangers are favourites to finish second in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Rangers slipped out of second after a 2-0 defeat to Hear ts on Wednesday night. Mark Warburton’s side have already lost to Celtic and Aberdeen this season but McInnes feels their spending potential gives them an advantage.
Aberdeen can go a point ahead of Rangers with two games in hand if they win at Ibrox tomorrow but McInnes said: “I still think Rangers, just by the sheer nature of what they can do in January as well, will be favourites to finish second.
“But we certainly feel second spot is something we can aim for and, if we win our games in hand, we would go second.
“Any time you beat teams round and about you it helps because you are inflicting damage on them.”
It will be Aberdeen’s first visit to Ibrox since a 1-1 draw in January 2012.
McInnes will tell his players to expect a hostile reception.
“I think it’s something we have to mention,” he said.
“The game up here was much anticipated, certainly from our supporters, a full house.
“But it passed without real incident. The talking point was James Maddison’s magnificent free-kick.
“Hopefully, we are talking about the football at the end of it and, hopefully, another three points for Aberdeen.
“The players should expect and will expect a tough game, and going into an intimidating atmosphere.”