Rangers to face Dons if they defeat Kilmarnock

RANGERS and Aberdeen will face off in a potentially explosive Scottish Cup quarter-final at Pittodrie if Steven Gerrard can guide his team past Kilmarnock in next week’s replay. Last night’s draw for the last-eight produced four intriguing ties, with Hibs hosting holders Celtic, Hearts travelling to Firhill to tackle Partick Thistle and the remaining clash between Dundee United and either Ross County or Caley Thistle guaranteeing a Championship team in the semis. But it’s the prospect of

Gerrard taking his team back to the Granite City on the weekend of March 2 and 3 that is particularly eye-catching given the fall-out from their league clash at Pittodrie last week. Scott McKenna and Alfredo Morelos were both red-carded in the 4-2 victory for Rangers, while Ibrox goalkeeper Allan McGregor was offered a two-match ban for a challenge on Lewis Ferguson. Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock, however, will fancy their chances of a trip to Aberdeen by pulling off a victory at Ibrox in the replay on February 20 after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Rugby Park. Celtic’s pursuit of a treble Treble, meanwhile, faces a significant challenge as they travel to one of the few venues to have proven truly difficult for them during the past two-and-a-half seasons. It also represents a mouthwatering match for the Leith side’s new manager, with Michael Appleton still favourite to be given the job following Neil Lennon’s departure. Brendan Rodgers’ men haven’t won at Easter Road since a 4-2 victory in the League Cup back in October 2017. They’ve since drawn one and lost the last two of their matches there, including a 2-0 defeat in December. Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald, reacting to last night’s draw after the 2-2 draw in Dingwall that forced County and Caley Thistle into a replay next week, said: ‘There are a few tasty ones in there. ‘We’ll have to wait and see what the Kilmarnock and Rangers replay brings about but, either way, it’s interesting. ‘And there will be extra spice if it is Rangers, given their rivalry. ‘Hibs drawing Celtic is big as well because, whatever else you might say, a Hibs game at Easter Road has been a real test for this Celtic team. I even look at Hearts away to Partick, who are unbeaten in 2019. That will be extra tasty.’ Former Hearts and Hibs player Michael Stewart added: ‘You might look at Partick Thistle and say they’re bottom of the Championship. ‘But they’ve been doing well in 2019 and, if that continues, they will be going in thinking they can get a result from that. ‘Partick is the only one you would look at and suggest a win for the home side would be an upset. ‘If Hibs beat Celtic, it’s not a massive surprise because of the recent results they’ve had against them at home.’ Kick-off times and dates will be finalised when the TV rights holders, Premier Sports and BBC, pick their live matches.