Rangers Take on Out-of-Form Aberdeen on Halloween in the Scottish League Cup Semi-Final
Season So Far
It’s been a solid start to the season under Derek McInnes, with Rangers currently sitting second, just four points behind Celtic. Rangers head into their showdown at Hampden after going 10 games unbeaten, as they face a struggling Aberdeen side at the National Stadium.
Although Rangers have already suffered a setback this season after missing out on European football, things have improved for the Ibrox side since then. They’ll now be hoping to add another trophy to the cabinet as they continue their push for silverware.
For the Pittodrie side, however, it’s been a pretty miserable campaign so far. Stephen Robinson is under considerable pressure following a disappointing start to the league season. Aberdeen got off to the best possible start with a victory over Hearts on the opening day, but since then, it’s been nothing but disappointment.
The Dons have won just once in their last five outings, conceding seven goals during that period, as they head into this clash in worrying form.
Last Time Out
Rangers’ last outing was a trip to Derek McInnes’ former side, Hearts, in a mouth-watering matchup in Gorgie. Rangers took the lead through Kelsey, but the Edinburgh side fought back to take control of the game. However, a late goal from Makhanya secured a point for Rangers following a disappointing performance from the Ibrox side.
For Aberdeen, the worries continued to grow. After a fairly even first half, Falkirk began to take control in the second period. Krauhaus put Falkirk ahead, and the Bairns went on to secure a well-deserved 1-0 victory. Concerns continue to mount, with Stephen Robinson facing major criticism from supporters as Aberdeen prepare for their biggest game of the season on Halloween.
Road to Hampden
It hasn’t been an easy path to the National Stadium for Rangers. They eased past St Mirren in the round of 16 with a 5-1 victory at Ibrox, before following that up with an outstanding 3-0 home win over fierce rivals Celtic in Govan. That victory set them up for a semi-final clash against Aberdeen on Halloween.
Aberdeen began their League Cup campaign in the group stages, where they were drawn alongside Queen’s Park, Queen of the South, Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers. As expected, Stephen Robinson’s men finished top of the group with four consecutive wins, earning themselves a home tie against Dundee.
The Dons came through that encounter with a convincing 3-0 victory before making the long trip to Kilmarnock. The match finished level, but Aberdeen progressed following a penalty shootout victory to secure their place at Hampden.
Last Time at Hampden
Rangers’ last appearance at Hampden came in last season’s League Cup, when Danny Röhl’s men crashed out following a 3-1 defeat to Celtic on the big stage.
Aberdeen failed to reach Hampden last season, meaning their last trip to the national stadium was for that famous Scottish Cup triumph. The Dons defeated Celtic in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy, and they’ll be hoping to enjoy another memorable day on Halloween.
Last Meetings
The two sides last met in August at Pittodrie, where Rangers came away with all three points in a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Lawrence Shankland penalty to salvage a point in the Granite City.
The last meeting between these two sides at Hampden came back in December 2023 in the Scottish League Cup final, when a late James Tavernier goal secured the trophy for Rangers.
Can Rangers return to Hampden in December to face either of the Edinburgh sides, or can Aberdeen spook Rangers on Halloween and stun Derek McInnes’ men in Glasgow?
