Scottish Premiership Showdown: Can Aberdeen Split the Old Firm as Rangers Struggle?

Scottish Premiership Showdown: Can Aberdeen Challenge the Old Firm?

This season, the Scottish Premiership has seen a surprising turn of events. The Rangers are struggling, while Aberdeen is on a remarkable winning streak under new management. With the Dons revitalized under Jimmy Thelin, many are asking: can they split the Old Firm again?

Rangers' Rocky Start

The season has not been kind to the Rangers. Following a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Celtic, ex-player Kris Boyd stated that the Gers should "forget" about competing with their traditional rivals. He believes the team is now "in a battle to finish second." This frustration among the fans is palpable.

Challenges Faced by the Gers

• High turnover in the squad with many key players leaving.
• New manager Philippe Clement facing an uphill battle.
• Lack of investment after missing out on Champions League qualification.

Aberdeen's Rise Under Thelin

The transformation at Aberdeen is nothing short of impressive. Last season, they found themselves in the depths of the league and struggling for wins. The appointment of Jimmy Thelin has turned things around, and they are currently riding a nine-game winning streak.

How Thelin Has Changed the Dons

Key aspects of Aberdeen's improvement include:

• Attacking Play: The Dons have adapted their style to compensate for the departure of star player Bojan Miovski, with contributions coming from Jamie McGrath, Pape Gueye, and Kevin Nisbet.
• Improved Ball Distribution: Aberdeen is averaging 50 more passes per game, with a focus on attacking play.
• Robust Defense: They have conceded just two goals this season, significantly improving their defensive stats.

Looking Ahead: Can the Dons Finish Ahead of Rangers?

The first encounter between Aberdeen and Rangers is set for October 30 at Pittodrie, followed by a match at Ibrox on December 14. The last time Aberdeen finished ahead of Rangers was during the 2017/18 season, and they will be eager to replicate that success.

What Lies Ahead for Both Clubs

With both teams undergoing significant changes, the question remains whether Aberdeen can maintain their form and whether Rangers can turn their struggles around. Improving performances at Ibrox could create a competitive landscape within the league.

Conclusion

As the Scottish Premiership progresses, football fans will keep a close eye on both the Rangers and Aberdeen. If Aberdeen can maintain their current trajectory and Rangers can resolve their issues, the landscape of Scottish football could shift once again.

Would you be watching the upcoming matches to see if the Dons can continue their winning streak and challenge the Old Firm?

Explore how Aberdeen's revival under Jimmy Thelin might challenge Rangers in the competitive landscape of the Scottish Premiership this season.