Aberdeen

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Rangers at Pittodrie always has an edge and this time we have the potential added spice of a home win clinching the title for Celtic.

Aberdeen have found their mojo again in the race for third place, with four wins and two draws from their past seven Premiership matches.

Rangers are still waiting for a first home win under Barry Ferguson but have won each of their past five away league games, scoring at least three each time.

There may be a few tired legs after Thursday's defensive heroics against Athletic Bilbao and the interim head coach's team selection could be influenced by the trip to Spain next week, with a place in the last four of the Europa League on the line.

However, fatigue was not a factor when Rangers won at Celtic Park last month just three days after extra-time and penalties against Fenerbahce.

The Dons are unbeaten in three home league games against Rangers (W2 D1) and are looking to win back-to-back for the first time since February 2006 under Jimmy Calderwood.

Meanwhile, the visitors are seeking back-to-back wins at Pittodrie for the first time since December 2022.

Only in September 1899 and November 1957 have Rangers ever scored three-plus goals in six straight away league victories.

In a wildly topsy turvy term, Rangers have also conceded two or more goals in each of their past six league games. Yet, with 10 men, they kept Bilbao out.

Will they show the same focus and resolve against an Aberdeen side that has scored 10 in their past three at home in all competitions?

Early Sunday starts can be soporific affairs. This one should be anything but.

Read all the Scottish Premiership picks

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has praised his players for their stability in recent games after overcoming "challenging times" domestically.

The fourth-placed Dons head in to Sunday's visit of Rangers in fine form, having lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions.

Thelin's side have really got things moving in the right direction again after a protracted run of disappointing results prior to their recent upturn in fortunes.

"I think it is hard work behind it," the boss said.

"We have got through some challenging times and some players are coming back from injury, some players have been recruited, some players have grown since the beginning so I think the squad is getting better and we can manage sometimes better when we have someone missing out.

"We are a more stable team, a stable squad, that is important for us long term to not be so up and down during a season so I am happy for the progress.

"The players have shown that they grow during the season and challenge each other better and compete better so that is really good."

Rangers travel north for a fixture which is sandwiched between the two legs of their Europa League quarter-final with Athletic Bilbao.

But Thelin isn't buying into the argument they could be getting the Ibrox side at just the right time.

"I don't think so," he added when asked if the Dons can take advantage of Rangers' European games.

"I think they are focussed on taking it game by game also and we know Aberdeen against Rangers is important for everyone so I think they will be ready for the game.

"They have a good squad so they are going to have good players on the pitch whoever plays and also will we so I think it is going to be really intense, energetic game so I think it is going to be a good game on Sunday."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's Premiership visit of Rangers.

Here are the main points:

• Thelin isn't buying into the view that playing Rangers between their two Athletic Bilbao Europa League quarter final fixtures could work in Aberdeen's favour and stresses this fixture and the rivalry "is important for everyone".

• The Dons boss stresses Rangers have a good squad and even if they make changes with the European games in mind, will "have good players on the pitch whoever they play".

• He is expecting a "really intense" game against a Rangers side who have "tweaked some parts" under Barry Ferguson.

• With the chase for European places intensifying, Thelin stresses every game between now and the end of the season is "like a cup game".

• With his own team on a run of just one defeat in their last nine games, Thelin said he's "happy for the progress the players have shown".

• On local lad Jack Milne signing a new long term deal, Thelin insists "it is so important for the DNA and identity".

• There's no change on the injury front - Kristers Tobers and Dimitar Mitov are "not going to be available for this game".

Celtic could still win a 13th Scottish top-flight title in 14 seasons this weekend, despite their shock defeat away to St Johnstone last Sunday.

Victory at home against Kilmarnock on Saturday would be sufficient to confirm the arithmetic should Rangers lose at Aberdeen the following day.

The Ibrox side are almost certain to clinch the second Champions League place, but four points from their final six matches would confirm it.

Whoever finishes third and fourth will also be in Europe, as will the division's fifth-placed side should the Scottish Cup winners be one of the Premiership's top four.

The fight for the final top-six place will go to the final game before the split, with one of Hearts, Motherwell or St Mirren claiming it.

Hearts visit Fir Park one point in front of their hosts and the Paisley side, who take on Ross County.

The two teams missing out could yet be sucked into a relegation battle.

Bottom side St Johnstone are now five adrift of Dundee and six behind Kilmarnock and Ross County. Motherwell and St Mirren are a further three points ahead.

With the teams all playing each other again post-split, there is still plenty scope for movement between now and 18 May.

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• Aberdeen are unbeaten in their past three home league games against Rangers (W2 D1), and are looking to win back-to-back such games over the Glasgow side for the first time since February 2006 under Jimmy Calderwood.

• After their 3-0 victory in January, Rangers are looking to win back-to-back league meetings with Aberdeen for the first time since December 2022 (three in a row).

• Aberdeen have won both of their past two league games, as many as their previous 19 beforehand (W2 D6 L11). They last won three in a row in October/November, a run that included a 2-1 home win over Rangers.

• Rangers have won each of their past five away league games, each while scoring three-plus goals. Only in September 1899 and November 1957 have they ever scored three-plus goals in six straight away league outings (won all six in both cases).

• Rangers have conceded two-plus goals in each of their past six league games, never before in their league history doing so seven times in a row.

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Forty years ago, the notion that a fight for third place might get Aberdeen and Dundee United supporters excited would have been preposterous.

However, in 2025, it will be as tantalising as it gets for fans of both as they and Hibernian do battle for a top-three finish.

An outstanding Shayden Morris goal did the damage in Dingwall to keep the Dons' recent renaissance on track.

Given Celtic are overwhelming favourites to complete a domestic treble by lifting the Scottish Cup next month, that third spot could come with the pot of gold of an extended European campaign next term.

The Dons, of course, will have designs on lifting the silverware themselves with a semi-final against Hearts at Hampden on the horizon, and it could be a thrilling fortnight ahead.

First up is a visit from a Rangers side that have experienced just as bizarre a campaign as Jimmy Thelin has had at Pittodrie.

If Celtic beat Kilmarnock at home on Saturday, a slip-up in the north-east by Barry Ferguson's men would hand yet another title to Brendan Rodgers.

That is going to happen at some point anyway, even if it isn't this weekend, and that means Rangers' Europa League quarter-final has to be where their main focus lies.

That may hand the Dons an advantage given it is a much more important fixture for them to attempt to overhaul a red-hot Hibs side, whose run since November defies belief.

David Gray will be rightly mentioned in dispatches when it comes to the manager of the year awards.

But Thelin is just a point behind the Hibs boss' side. Third spot and vanquishing Aberdeen's Scottish Cup drought would see the Swede come into that reckoning, too.

Sunday. High noon. Sell-out Pittodrie. Rangers in town. There is nowhere else to be.

Jimmy Thelin is set to add Erik Edman to his Aberdeen scouting team, with the former Sweden defender set to leave his role at Hittarps IK in the summer to take up his new role at Pittodrie. (Daily Record)

Aberdeen boss Thelin insists he and his recruitment team already "have a good idea" about the future of Jeppe Okkels and Oday Dabbagh. (Press & Journal)

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

On a sunny yet breezy day in Dingwall, we did what we needed to keep pace with Hibs in the race for third.

The impressive thing about this victory was seeing the team spirit shine through the sun.

This came in Nicky Devlin and the rest of the team shoving the steward aside who tried to prevent Shayden Morris taking the customary full-time selfie with the fans.

Jimmy Thelin came to Aberdeen with a view of building a collective. A city as one, bringing us all together to achieve the same goal.

Those full-time scenes gave a sense that the togetherness and team spirit that had previously been questioned is in fact there as we head towards the split.

While Morris will grab the headlines for being the match-winner, I want to credit Ross Doohan as well.

Wins are built off solid defences and clean sheets. The keeper came up clutch in injury time to deny Ronan Hale and ensure the three points headed back down the road.

Next up? Rangers. Bring it on.

Glen can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

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Jack Milne has signed a new deal with Aberdeen, keeping him at the club until at least 2029.

The 22-year-old's previous contract was due to expire in 2026.

A central midfielder by trade, Milne has been converted into a defender at Pittodrie recently and is looking to stake a claim at the heart of the Dons' defence.

"Since our arrival at Aberdeen, Jack's potential was evident for us to see," manager Jimmy Thelin told club media.

"He is taking steps this year to continue his development and we believe this new contract will give him long-term stability and the ability to continue his progression in familiar surroundings, in an environment which should positively influence his future.

"Jack is determined to improve and play an important part for Aberdeen and we look forward to continuing our work alongside him."

Following loan spells with Brechin City and Kelty Hearts, Milne broke into the first team in the 2023-24 season, featuring in the Dons' impressive European win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

"To be part of the manager's long-term plans is a very nice feeling and gives you confidence as a player," Milne said.

"I recognised early on, the way he wants the team to play, that I had the attributes to help the team in the long run. I am really looking forward to the future."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Shayden Morris' fine goal earned Aberdeen all three points against Ross County and he makes my team of the week.

Morris can be a really important player on his day. The challenge now is for him to show more consistency when selected to play from the start.

Watch Sportscene analysis of Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris' stunning goal against Ross County.

Watch highlights as Ross County lose 1-0 to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 1-0 win against Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: The game overall was robust and scrappy because of the County set-up to give them the best chance of disrupting our play. Great goal from Shayden Morris for sure and Graeme Shinnie moving to left back with finally a stable midfield paying dividends. Pape Gueye has lost his mojo and is inconsistent at best. Kevin Nisbet is playing well like the player he is, but the table is tight and we need to keep winning to make it to Europe.

Alan: Good three points but not a good performance, too many long balls, should be playing through our good players Leighton Clarkson and Ante Palaversa. Dante Polvara needs to play, the improvement in Morris is a bonus as he is now adding the final ball to his undoubted pace, if only Pape could do the same. The fight for third places continues.

John: Mats Knoester has been the main reason behind the team's upturn in results in recent weeks. Brings a calmness and organisation to our defence which gives the likes of Clarkson and Palaversa a platform to perform in midfield. Shinnie at left-back has been an added bonus!

Andrew: Disappointing performance after last week, and we had enough chances in the first half to have County dead and buried by half time, but nevertheless a good three points.

Fred: A good match but feel we should have scored more, however Morris was excellent, his speed is such an asset to the team. Great to see us keeping a clean sheet but our forwards need to perform better.

Niall: What can you say. Morris has this type of delivery in his locker and that was the moment of magic that sealed the deal. Solid Dons performance when it matters, which should give the squad much needed confidence for the run in.

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• Ross County have lost their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer losing streak was from 30 November 2024 to 21 December 2024, a run of four games.

• Aberdeen are undefeated in their last four games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 16 March 2024 to 9 November 2024, a run of 20 games.

• Ross County have failed to score in 14 of their 32 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Graeme Shinnie attempted six tackles in this game, more than any other player.

Aberdeen have "a good dialogue" with winger Shayden Morris, says manager Jimmy Thelin, as the 23-year-old winger approaches the final year of his contract at Pittodrie. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Shayden Morris' solo stunner gave Aberdeen a narrow victory over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, continuing their good form in the final weeks of the season.

The result keeps the fourth-placed Dons on the coattails of third-placed Hibernian and leaves County looking over their shoulder at the wrong end of the table.

What did you make of that, Aberdeen fans? What has Jimmy Thelin changed to get things ticking again?

Who impressed you most? Should Shayden Morris be starting more regularly?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "We were prepared for a difficult game. there was a lot of second balls today. They are good at that, but we were really stable as a team today. Everybody took responsibility. We kept them out for most of the game.

"It was difficult for us to create chances today but I've looked at Shayden's goal and it's amazing. We're happy, they are three important points for us.

"If you look at his journey this year, the assists and goals he gets, how he defends... it's good to see players take steps and grow. It's a lot of work from his side, he has a strong mentality, he pushes himself."

"It was a different kind of game [to last week], not so open. It was more about second balls. But the structure of the team was good. Everybody fought and that's important.

"We don't think about [other games]. We have to keep winning our games, and not think about other teams."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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This season will go down as one of the more bizarre in Aberdeen's recent history.

After a remarkable winning start, there was an arguably even more remarkable winless run which has been followed by a more positive return to form.

In fact, the Dons will be happy to forget what happened in the middle if this is a campaign bookended by a couple of very favourable runs of results.

It's all about the destination, rather than the journey, for Dons fans. Securing their top-six status last weekend was one objective, albeit the very minimum objective , ticked off.

Now, it's all about chasing down a European place, and trying to secure third spot. On the evidence of what happened in Dingwall, manager Jimmy Thelin's side appear to be very well placed to mount a concerted challenge.

His squad has several key players missing through injury, but those who have stepped in to replace them have stepped up.

They look more assured at the back and have a cutting edge up front – a combination Thelin will be hoping can get them over the line.

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Shayden Morris. Only a seventh league start of the season for Morris, who has been given two chances now to prove that he should be a starter instead of an impact sub.

If he fluffed the first audition, he aced the second with a game-winning strike that will be included in 'goal of the season' competitions.

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Ross County welcome back Michee Efete from a three-month lay-off but Ryan Leak (Achilles) remains sidelined.

Aberdeen remain without Dimitar Mitov (shoulder), Kristers Tobers (hamstring) and Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye) along with long-term absentees Vicente Besuijen (knee), Jamie McGrath and Gavin Molloy (both shoulder).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin believes his team are on an upward trend as they continue their European pursuit.

The fourth-place Dons, who have lost just one of their past eight games in all competitions, secured their top six-status last weekend and travel to play Ross County on Saturday.

"Things can change quickly but if you see the trend, how you perform over some games, there are always ups and downs but the trend I think is upwards and that is good for us in a really important part of the season now and the target we have for the season," said Thelin.

"We have focused a lot in the last month more about what we have to do as a team, especially when you have a lot of players in and out of the squad, and keep working with the identity, the responsibilities, how we can be a good collective team but still making the players individually grow.

"So I think the most important thing for us is to keep going and do our things really well and always have the respect of the opponent, their strengths and weaknesses, but still doing our things much better.

"I think we have seen some signs of that in the last games that we are more consistent in our actions and there is a better rhythm and more timing in the team."

Aberdeen clicked into gear with a 4-1 home win over Motherwell last time out and Thelin wants his side to build on "a really strong collective effort and a shared mind on the pitch".

He added: "It was so nice to see also how they coached each other on the pitch, the responsibility they take.

"So I hope we can keep building on this and that is important for us in the long and short term."

Dutch defender Mats Knoester, meanwhile, is enjoying life with the Dons after his arrival from Hungarian side Ferencvaros during the winter transfer window.

Knoester, who has established himself in the heart of the Aberdeen defence, said: "I feel good, I feel happy on and off the pitch, it has been a good time so far.

"I just did the thing I always do and try to give my best performance. So far it has been working well and if the results are good of course it is very helpful as well."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media before Aberdeen's trip to face Ross County this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Dons boss:

• The game will come too soon for injured pair Dimitar Mitov and Kristers Tobers: "They are more involved now in the sessions, especially today, but still not 100%. I think next week will be good for them."

• Sivert Nilsen remains out long term with an eye injury and Thelin says they will possibly learn more after his next assessment in the next couple of weeks.

• On Aberdeen having lost just one of their past eight matches: "I have seen some signs in the last games that we are more consistent in our actions and there is a better rhythm and more timing to the team."

• Thelin adds: "The trend I think is upwards and that is good for us in a really important part of the season now and the target we have for the season."

• With third-place Hibs, who are a point above the Dons, visiting Rangers on Saturday, could it be a big opportunity for Thelin's side? "I don't think about other games, I think about our game."

• He described the 4-1 win over Motherwell last weekend as a "really strong collective effort" and wants to build on that.

• Thelin is expecting a difficult game against County, who beat the Dons at Pittodrie in January and are a "good home team with a good manager".

Aberdeen are believed to be opposed to a smaller, 10-team Scottish Premiership in principle after the Scottish Professional Football League competitions working group agreed to a request to explore a revamp of the current four-tier model. (Press & Journal), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.