Scottish Premier League Preview

Aberdeen v Rangers

In a big weekend for football, it is only right that Scotland puts forward their own match to entice the viewers.

Aberdeen vs Rangers is no derby, they don't tend to be neck and neck in the league, and with the 'Gers being one half of the Old Firm rivalry it would seem they have enough to occupy them.

Make no mistake though, as much as it isn't family friendly, these two teams have a loathing for each other that goes back to the age of black and white TV's.

In the 1970's, Rangers fans would swarm up to the Granite City in their thousands, almost taking over the place. Many stayed longer than the 90 minutes and made the north east their home for the weekend.

That didn't sit well with the locals, who developed a rather distasteful dislike for the visiting Glaswegians. Likewise, the 'Teuchters' were not exactly fondly thought of on the west coast either.

On the pitch though, Aberdeen posed little problem to Rangers, until a revolution began in Scotland. 

Eddie Turnbull set the ball rolling while Scottish Football fell in love with a certain Ally McLeod who brought League Cup success to Pittodrie before his ill-fated Scotland adventure, and then former Celtic captain Billy McNeil took his place in the Pittodrie hot-seat.

All of a sudden Aberdeen were becoming a much more difficult side to deal with, and of course no-one needs a reminder that they went on to practically run Scottish Football during the 1980's with Sir Alex Ferguson conquering everyone.

Why a hatred between Aberdeen and Rangers though? Celtic were also on the receiving end of some serious beatings from the Dons too.

1979 Scottish League cup final, Aberdeen are giving Rangers a torrid time. In the days when playacting was not as common as today, 'Gers striker Derek Johnstone fell to the ground, earning Doug Rougvie a red card, and Rangers went on to lift the trophy.

That incident boiled the blood of every Aberdonian, and every game since became that little bit more vicious. From the Rangers side, it didn't help that they went years without winning away at Pittodrie, and they were not too chuffed at Ibrox becoming a happy hunting ground for Alex Ferguson's side either.

And so the 80's threw up some horrible incidents, namely Dons defender John McMaster needing the kiss of life on the pitch after Willie Johnston stamped on his neck, and Rangers starlet Ian Durrant losing two years of his career after a horrible challenge from Neil Simpson in 1989.

Success wise, the tide was turning Rangers way. Graeme Souness was splashing the cash and Rangers began their nine in a row march.  Ferguson had left for Manchester United and Aberdeen were struggling to get near the title again.

Cup finals in 87, 88, 92 and 93 all went the way of the Glasgow giants, with the 1989 League Cup final and  the1995 semi-final victory Aberdeen's only wins at Hampden against their rivals.

The 1991 league title race went down to the final day, a winner takes all showdown at Ibrox between the pair. Aberdeen needed just a draw to win the league, they lost 2-0.

The rivalry continued to intensify. Ally McCoist was hit by a golf ball not long after breaking Dons 'keeper Theo Snelders' jaw. Mark Hateley was assaulted outside Pittodrie, Fernando Ricksen kung-fu kicked Darren Young then said it was because he "needed sorting out."

An Aberdeen bar invited customers to urinate over Rangers videos. A fanzine apologised for a cartoon about 'Gers legend Davie Cooper, and Rangers' official programme apologised to Aberdeen fans for labelling them "scum."

And of course, who can forget the 2002 encounter when Robbie Winters was hit by a coin thrown from the away end, before home supporters ran onto the trackside to contront the opposition support?

Not nice, and certainly not welcome in any sport, but it does add an edge to the fixture which means any meeting between the two always has fireworks set to be lit.

This Saturday Rangers visit a venue they have not won at since 2006. They face an Aberdeen team struggling in sixth but starting to pick up the performances, while the still undefeated 'Gers are constantly verging on a crisis but still leading the table.

It could well be full blooded and nasty on Saturday afternoon but it promises to once again be gripping theatre.

Aberdeen will have Chris Maguire back from suspension, but Gary McDonald is banned following his red card against Motherwell. Sone Aluko (stomach) and Fraser Fyvie (ankle) remain on the sidelines and look set to lose their fitness battle.

Jerome Rothen remains in France being treated for swine flu while Steven Naismith returns for Rangers.

Aluko is the man who makes things tick for the Dons, and without him Aberdeen may struggle to break down a Rangers team who may return to the Pittodrie tactics of 4-5-1.

Kyle Lafferty could be the centre of attention; for his antics in getting Charlie Mulgrew sent off last season have not been forgotten by a home crowd waiting to give him a less than cordial reception.

With Rangers on the ropes, Aberdeen have a great opportunity to twist the knife, and Mark McGhee's men may just edge this one and bring the champions to their knees.

Prediction: Aberdeen 2-1 Rangers

Celtic v St Mirren

Celtic skipper Stephen McManus returns from suspension and midfielders Zheng Zhi and Paddy McCourt are back after recovering from a knock and illness respectively.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc is back in training after recovering from a knee operation but will not be risked and Celtic will be missing Scott Brown (ankle) and Shaun Maloney (Achilles) for a further two months.

Captain John Potter returns to boost St Mirren after missing last week's draw against Hibernian with a facial infection. Buddies boss Gus MacPherson has no fresh injury worries and is expected to name a similar side to last week.

Prediction: Celtic 3-0 St Mirren

Hibernian v Falkirk

Hibs' Kevin McBride is 50-50 with an ankle injury. Fellow midfielder Merouane Zemmama is expected to return from a groin problem and defender Sol Bamba should be fit to continue after having an injection in his knee injury. Kevin McCann (hamstring) remains sidelined for the home side.

Falkirk hope to sign Toufik Zerara by the weekend and the 23-year-old French midfielder will be on the bench if the Bairns receive international clearance in time. Alex MacDonald should return from a groin injury but Sean Lynch, Mark Stewart, Jackie McNamara, Kjartan Finnbogason, Burton O'Brien and Tam Scobbie are all still out.

Prediction: Hibernian 1-0 Falkirk

Kilmarnock v Hearts

Kilmarnock skipper Kevin Kyle will have stitches removed from a face wound and should declare himself fit for the visit of the Jambos. Defender Simon Ford is getting back to full fitness following his recovery from a knee injury but the game has come too early for him.

Hearts will be without banned defender Jose Goncalves - David Kucharski and Eggert Jonsson are vying to deputise. Striker Calum Elliot should return to the squad after knee surgery and Laryea Kingston is also fit but Hearts remain without Marius Zaliukas (ankle), Andrew Driver (knee), Suso Santana (hernia) and David Templeton (foot), although the latter is close to a comeback.

Prediction: Kilmarnock 1-0 Hearts

Motherwell v Dundee United

Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings has missed several training sessions this week with an ankle injury but is hopeful of making the game. Shaun Hutchinson (hamstring) and Chris Humphrey (ankle) remain on the sidelines while Paul Slane, Marc Fitzpatrick and Darren Smith continue their rehabilitation programmes.

United will have Mihael Kovacevic back after a calf injury although defender Garry Kenneth will not be risked but striker Jon Daly will be on the bench. Youngster Keith Watson is also likely to have a place in the squad for the first time in three seasons following knee injuries but long-term absentees Lee Wilkie (knee), Scott Robertson (groin) and Francisco Sandaza (groin) will all miss out.

Prediction: Motherwell 0-2 Dundee United

St Johnstone v Hamilton Accies

St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes has doubts over Steven Anderson (back), Danny Grainger (thigh) and Kenny Deuchar (groin). Defender Graham Gartland is definitely out with a shoulder injury and the game comes too early for Steven Milne, who is recovering from an ankle injury.

Guillaume Beuzelin is back in contention for Hamilton after missing last week's defeat to Falkirk through suspension. Boss Billy Reid has no fresh injury worries.

Prediction: St Johnstone 2-2 Hamilton

Andrew Southwick, Goal.com