Aberdeen 1 Rangers 0 LIVE as Clement resists changes as Cifuentes gets redemption shot

The door has opened for Rangers in this season’s Scottish Premiership title race as Celtic surprisingly slipped up at home to Motherwell.

It’s now a question of whether Philippe Clement’s men can take advantage of that stumble as they face an Aberdeen side who have big questions of their own to answer as they must show a reaction from a six-goal hammering at the hands of the Hoops before the international break.

Barry Robson and his dejected Dons players have had to stew on that mauling for a couple of weeks now and will want to put that behind them They have faced accusations this week that they find it easier to get up for games against the Light Blues, started by former Ibrox striker Kris Boyd in the aftermath of their Parkhead thrashing.

Aberdeen’s 3-1 win over Rangers on enemy territory back in September proved to be the end for Michael Beale as the axe fell on the Englishman 24 hours later.

Aberdeen: Roos, Devlin, Shinnie, Jensen, Gartenmann, McGrath, Miovski, Sokler, Duncan, Rubezic. Subs: Dolan, Barron, Duk, Gueye, McGarry, Hayes, Polvara, MacDonald, Milne

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, Balogun, Lundstram, Cifuentes, Lawrence, Cantwell, Sima, Danilo Subs: McCrorie, Ridvan, Souttar, Dessers, Lammers, Matondo, Sterling, King, McAusland

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Updates Available

13:42Graeme Young

Cant happen again

Todd Cantwell departs and it was a forgettable game for the attacker who has had a few performances like that this season.

He didn’t dictate the action and his biggest contribution to the contest was the dive of the season in the first half.

13:41Graeme Young

Cantwell and Lawrence off

As McCausland and Lammers are on with a mission to rescue a point at lest and stop Rangers from slipping further behind Celtic.

13:39Graeme Young

Balogun cracks the bar

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson(Image: SNS Group)

Aberdeen are teetering on the brink here as Rangers have them pinned in and creating golden chances.

Rangers know an equaliser tees up a chance to win it and they have Aberdeen seeking refuge by sitting deep.

Balogun has missed two massive set piece chances today and will know he could have his side ahead rather than behind.

13:37Graeme Young

Lawrence cracks the bar

That was a stunning effort from the Welshman after Matondo wreaked havoc in the Aberdeen box.

Lawrence’s measured effort had Roos scrambling across his line and could only take comfort from the dull crack of his bar and seeing it spin to safety.

The same man goes again and Rangers pin the hosts back in the search for a leveller.

13:32Graeme Young

Gartenmann groans

He was left down but his appeal for a foul on Sima appeared weak as he careered into the Rangers star.

And Aberdeen didn’t clear their lines and the corner is awarded.

Sima’s header wide is his last contribution as Matondo replaces him.

13:30Graeme Young

McGarry on for Duncan

The New Zealand international looked bright before an injury earlier this season and will add something here in the final 20 minutes.

Rabbi Matondo, a man Clement saluted as electric appears ripe for a return to action.

The winger has been tipped to play through the middle under new boss.

13:28Graeme Young

Cantwell dive sparks anger

Todd Cantwell has been told his “ridiculous” dive against Aberdeen was clear and obvious.

The Rangers playmaker looked to bring Philippe Clement’s men back in to the game after Bojan Miovski’s stunning end to a sweet Dons team goal served them a first half custard pie at Pittodrie. Cantwell couldn’t impact the game as his Belgian boss would have hoped in the first 45 minutes and drew the ire of the packed crowd after a blatant dive just outside the penalty area on 23 minutes. There was, however, no booking from referee Nick Walsh.

The 25-year-old looked to drive through Richard Jensen and got away from the defender before comically throwing himself to the floor with Jamie McGrath standing still to his left. Cantwell’s leg collided with the former St Mirren man as he flew to the floor, something Sky Sports co-commentator James McFadden couldn’t absolve the Rangers midfielder in any way, calling his attempt at simulation ‘ridiculous’.

13:25Graeme Young

Rangers rising

Aberdeen’s Kelle Roos makes a save from Rangers’ Danilo(Image: SNS Group)

But will one of these half chances result in a goal?

We have half an hour to find out as the visitors keep the pressure on.

13:23Graeme Young

Barisic blocked

The left-back see his effort hit Gartenmann’s napper and go out for a corner.

Devlin gets Aberdeen rocking as his double tackle allows the Dons to turn down the pressure valve.

13:22Graeme Young

Another free kick

And it’s on the edge of the line.

Rubezic wipes Danilo out and and now Barisic gets the chance to strike on goal seconds after Tavernier’s set piece was blocked.

13:19Graeme Young

Aberdeen fluff lines

Miovski was an inch away from playing Shinnie in.

And then at the other end McGrath is booked for wiping Cantwell out.

Tavernier and Barisic await….

13:18Graeme Young

Direct line from Rangers

Rangers manager Philippe Clement(Image: PA)

Clement deserves major kudos for his Ibrox rejuvenation project but, perhaps, they are playing too direct here.

That’s seven long balls from their half to Aberdeen’s in the second half and none have paid off.

It might be a game for the much maligned Cyriel Dessers as it’s direct into the final third time and time again.

13:13Graeme Young

Danilo denied

The striker was falling backwards but popped a shot on target after great work from Lawrence.

It’s not the Alamo but the pressure is mounting.

Rangers are finding their way into this game but the Dons threat on the break feels real.

13:12Graeme Young

Lawrence breaking lines

The Welshman brings goals and assists when fit and he is now starting to break the lines in the final third.

This direct, attacking system under Clement appears ripe for a player who appears to have only one weakness – a chequered injury record.

13:10Graeme Young

Jensen booked

For wiping out Cantwell, It looked a sore one and the right call.

13:09Graeme Young

Aberdeen aiming to grab control

A more balance shape from the hosts as they target a big secnd period.

13:07Graeme Young

RESTART!

We’re back underway and there are no changes at the break.

Let’s hope for some more thrills.

12:52Key Event

HT: Aberdeen 1 Rangers 0

Rangers’ James Tavernier looks dejected after Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski scores (Image: PA)

Whew, what a watch this is!

Forget all the pre-match recriminations, this is just a good old fashioned watch. Endeavour aplenty as Aberdeen’s star man Bojan Miovski brought the magic with a definitive strike.

Rangers are carrying a threat but Leon Balogun could not convert a golden chance to make it 1-1.

Expect more of the same after the break.

12:45Graeme Young

Jensen down

And Aberdeen can breathe!

Danilo appeared to catch him with his left elbow and it’s left the defender in a heap on the deck but no further action from the officials and there’s no complaints from Jensen either when he finds his feet.

12:43Graeme Young

Free kick saves Roos

A disastarous punch from a cross straight to Lundstram almost spells danger but a free kick saves the Dons.

There is no reason he cannot catch that and these flaps only seem to add more pressure on.

12:42Graeme Young

Butland denies McGrath

What a strike but the keeper who Rangers fans adore was up to it once again.

That strike was needed as it was all Rangers and a shot like that was needed to change the narrative for the hosts.

McGrath has been great this season and his ability long range is vital.

12:38Graeme Young

Sokler claim waved away

Sokler goes down in the box but the contact from Balogun was minimal, to put it kindly.

The free kick goes the way of Rangers as the striker handled the ball.

But, outside the miss, Sokler has been involved plenty and added a focal point for Miovski to work off of.

12:36Graeme Young

Devlin down

The defender is sore but wants to play on. He’s been brilliant so far and has new energy after getting the magic sponge treatment.

12:33Graeme Young

Balogun denied

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson(Image: SNS Group)

Wow!

Roos denies Balogun and Lundstram with two quick-fire headers and the save to deny the Nigerian was top class.

But Rangers are rising here and the Dons know golden chances like that will not continue to go begging.

Miovski at the other end causes mayhem and Aberdeen need more of that.

12:31Graeme Young

Danilo denied

Rangers are on it and it’s the man in the mask who almost sticks it on Aberdeen.

Sima’s delicate pass finds the striker who turns on target and Ross gets a big toe on it to keep it out.

Aberdeen are fading here and need to find a way to readdress the balance or an equaliser could prove tough to overcome.

Lawrence hits the posts and Roos is raging a corner has been given.

12:29Graeme Young

And Cantwell almost the redeemer

Cantwell almost made up for his error!

His low cross was dangerous but Danilo was on his heels as more great build-up play ripped Aberdeen apart.

Robson is like a cat on a hot tin roof as he demands Aberdeen don’t architect their own downfall.

Rangers are finding their feet and Aberdeen are back into their role as possum.

12:27Graeme Young

Cantwell dive sets Aberdeen off

That is poor from the playmaker! There was no contact from Devlin and the Englishman cost his team by not staying on his feet and finding Sima.

12:26Graeme Young

Tavernier sums up Rangers woe

The skipper fires over the bar and sums up Rangers’ struggles here.

The Ibrox side have been reduced to moments rather than any sustained pressure in the first 20 minutes.

Rangers are trying to edge up the pitch but Aberdeen are lethal on the transition so there is caution from Clement’s side.

It’s a great watch made even more compelling by the multiple tactical battles taking place at Pittodrie.

12:22Graeme Young

Aberdeen bossing Rangers

And it’s in the heart of the midfield. Ryan Jack’s absence is keenly felt as Cifunetes stumbles from misplaced pass to coming off second best in tackles.

The emboldened hosts are sensing more joy as they press high and aim to force the visitors into more errors.

Robson is trying to appear calm but he will be dancing on the inside the way this game is playing out.

12:17Graeme Young

What a noise!

Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski celebrates(Image: SNS Group)

It was already loud but those in Red erupt when Devlin outmans Cifuentes and wins a key 50/50.

Aberdeen are winning battles all over the pitch and Rangers are toiling.

This feels a massive period for the visitors – they must find a way to keep the Dons at bay again as 2-0 would be a disaster.

12:14Key Event

GOAL! Miovski makes it 1-0

Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski celebrates after making it 1-0 (Image: SNS Group)

He is top class and Aberdeen’s idol shows Sokler the way.

A stunning finish from a tight angle to leave Butland helpless.

And it’s the long ball which is splitting Rangers open time and time again.

Pittodrie erupts.

12:12Graeme Young

Feisty one

Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski (L) and Rangers’ Leon Balogun (Image: SNS Group)

Shinnie is raging he wasn’t awarded a free kick as Cantwell gets a call from a similar incident seconds later.

This is bubbling nicely!

12:11Graeme Young

Lawrence denied

Stunning save from Roos after Lawrence almost finished the attack of the season.

Thrilling build-up play from Rangers led to the Welshman finding space in the box and his curling effort was expertly palmed away by Roos.

Cantwell was coming in on goal but the Dutchman’s big hand got the shot away from danger.

12:07Graeme Young

Massive chance missed

Sokler fluffs his lines as he breaks a poor offside trap to fire on target but allows Butland to channel his inner Stefan Klos and deny the Slovenian with his outsretched leg.

Lundstram appealed for a foul but it was waved away and the Dons, as they often do, were red-hot on the counter attack.

But the brilliant Butland was up for it again and keeps the score level. Sokler is kicking himself and probably wishes he had an extra touch to take him closer to goal.

12:06Graeme Young

Looking for Mio

Aberdeen star man Miovski is a top player and his hold-up play is often as impressive as his uncanny knack for finding the net.

12:05Graeme Young

Early warning!

Aberdeen are on it early and a whipped set piece sees Butland off his line.

At the other end is sign 647 since Clement’s arrival of his desire as Lawrence closes down Roos.

Both teams look well up for it and the game has started fast.

12:01Graeme Young

KICK OFF!

We’re underway!

The big one has kicked off.

11:59Graeme Young

Here we go!

A Scottish football classic is about to kick off!

Here we go as Aberdeen host Rangers and the Granite City is ready to rock.

11:57Graeme Young

Clement on Cifuentes

Phillipe Clement doesn’t expect miracles from Jose Cifuentes in his first start under the Belgian – speaking to Sky Sports

They are good in transition, I hear Rangers is not so popular here. You cannot control scenarios (off the pitch) there is no difference we know it is a tough game. I expect he (Cifuentes) to continue his work he has been doing, I do not expect miracles. we will see how long Cifu will last.

11:51Graeme Young

Will Dan be the man?

Danilo of Rangers (Image: Getty Images)

The striker is in rare form and his movement could be key today.

Rangers know their £6m striker will be key as they continue to kick on and force a title battle. The Brazilian has experience of big games in Dutch football and is up for this one.

11:50Graeme Young

Lundstram’s pop

The Rangers enforcer couldn’t resist as he challenged Aberdeen to sell out Pittodrie and claimed on Sky he thrives when the presure is on.

I love going there. I love all the away grounds. I love the ones that are intense, I love the ones that give me a load of stick, I love that environment so I love going to Pittodrie. Hopefully they can fill the stadium this time.”

11:47Graeme Young

Robson up for it

Barry Robson believes his side are raring to go as they take on Rangers on home turf.

The Dons boss – speaking to Sky – believes his team have a real chance of making an impact today.

But we’ve had a good two or three week preparation. It’s going to be a hard game. Rangers seem to press higher under the new manager and they are not afraid to go forward. It is something we have to stand up to and they have some really good players. But, if we put in a really good performance, we’ve got a good chance.

11:42Graeme Young

Lundstram loving Clement

John Lundstram has saluted Philippe Clement and believes the Rangers boss has brought the confidence back.

The Scouser – speaking to Sky Sports – insists every player is buying into the methods of Michael Beale’s successor

There has been a lot of things behind the scenes, different formations, runners in behind. A few of lads had been playing with a loss of confidence, once the full team has that confidence comes back there’s not as much hesitation

I think I have been in good form myself. Working under the new manager has been great, higher tempo, intense, getting after people. We all contributed to the bad run but we have achieved nothing, we are looking forward now and it’s about winning trophies.

11:39Key Event

Sutton wishes for Boyd ban

Kris Boyd clashes with Joe Lewis and Chris Sutton

The on-air sparring rivals are at it again!

Kris Boyd doubled down on his claim that Aberdeen raise their game against Rangers and took issue with Chris Sutton for digging him up about it by reminding him of his infamous claim that Dunfermline lay down against the Light Blues 20 years ago.

Former Ibrox striker Boyd caused a stir when he said after the Dons loss 6-0 to Celtic before the international break and said that Reds boss Barry Robson would have no issue getting his players up for their lunchtime clash with Philippe Clement’s side.

Boyd’s inference is one that has long been levelled at Aberdeen – that the Dons try harder against Rangers than they do against Celtic. Former Dons keeper Joe Lewis joined Boyd and Sutton in the Sky Sports studio and hit back at Boyd, claiming the reason is simply that Celtic have been much better than Rangers in recent seasons.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton wishes for Kris Boyd ban as het-up Rangers hero claims Aberdeen rant had NOTHING to do with Celtic

11:26Graeme Young

Aberdeen eye three on the spin

They won here at Pittodrie in April and followed that up with a seismic victory away at Ibrox in September.

But what to expect today? Philippe Clement knows what’s at stake but Barry Robson has proven a dab hand at coming up big against the men in Light Blue.

It’s a massive match and you won’t miss any of the thrills with us.

11:18Mark Pirie

Danilo returns to the XI

Danilo of Rangers (Image: Getty Images)

Cyriel Dessers has dropped out as Philippe Clement shakes up his attacking line.

Todd Cantwell is also in for rising star Ross McCausland, will the shake up work out for the visitors?

11:01Mark Pirie

Pitch perfect?

Rangers manager Philippe Clement checks out the pitch (Image: SNS Group)

It’s typical winter day at Pittodrie – and that means frosty conditions for both sets of teams in the Granite City.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement was quick to check the standard of the pitch after the visitors team bus arrived. Will it have an impact on the game?

10:54Graeme Young

Sokler and Cifuentes calls key

It’s a rare start for Ester Sokler as he partners Bojan Miovski up top at Pittodrie. The Slovenian has flashed glimpses this season and now aims to prove his worth alongside his free-scoring team-mate.

And there’s a big call for Rangers with Cifuentes in for the injured Ryan Jack and the Ecuador star must now show what he can bring to the party against the rivals.

10:48Key Event

Rangers team to face Aberdeen

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, Balogun, Lundstram, Cifuentes, Lawrence, Cantwell, Sima, Danilo

Subs: McCrorie, Ridvan, Souttar, Dessers, Lammers, Matondo, Sterling, King, McAusland

10:47Key Event

Aberdeen team to face Rangers

Aberdeen: Roos, Devlin, Shinnie, Jensen, Gartenmann, McGrath, Miovski, Sokler, Duncan, Rubezic.

Subs: Dolan, Barron, Duk, Gueye, McGarry, Hayes, Polvara, MacDonald, Milne

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