Aberdeen’s improvement this weekend is what Derek McInnes feels Rangers should be wary of heading into the match.
The Dons manager has been out talking about Sunday’s Betfred Cup semi-final clash at Hampden Park. After what’s felt like an eternity, a date, venue, and time has been set for what should be a blockbuster contest.
The two sides met on opening day this season. Rangers dominated much of the contest at Pittodrie before drawing 1-1. Bruce Anderson’s last minute goal spared McInnes his blushes on that day.
This weekend, however, we’re set to see a much-improved Aberdeen side, according to McInnes. Speaking in today’s Daily Record, McInnes had this to say about the weekend.
“Physically we were nowhere near it on the first day of the season – we were awful. However, there were reasons for that – we’d pushed Burnley close over extra time on the Thursday night, then didn’t get back home until 5am.
“There was a physical factor, although I was disappointed with our game intelligence that day. We had fatigue in our legs and minds.
“This time round, we’ve had a much better chance to prepare for it. I expect us to be better physically and hopefully we will be better in all aspects, because clearly we will have to be.”
Not a lot to disagree with
There isn’t much to disagree with from McInnes in these comments. He has to drum up his side’s capabilities and believe that they can be better than what they were on opening day.
The truth, however, is that Aberdeen aren’t a much better side than they showed last time. Since then, they’ve managed to accumulate just 11 points from a possible 24, and sit in seventh place.
Added to that, their football is a lot slower than it used to be, and don’t have the same threats they used to have. With the likes of Jonny Hayes, Ryan Christie, Adam Rooney, and Ryan Jack all gone, the Dons aren’t the same threat.
McInnes has tried his hardest to recruit similar quality over the summer. The likes of Dominic Ball, Max Lowe, Stevie May, and Sam Cosgrove however aren’t of a great quality.
That’s not to say the Dons don’t have threats that Rangers need to be wary of. Lewis Ferguson and James Wilson are impressive summer signings who can hurt anyone in Scotland if given time and space. Steven Gerrard needs to make sure his players understand the threat both will pose.
Aberdeen aren’t the same side they once were, and playing to the level they did last season is nearly impossible. McInnes has a couple of threats in his side, but Rangers should be dominating once more if they’re on their game.
