Willie Miller believes Aberdeen can capitalise on Rangers recent struggles by securing three points at Ibrox on Saturday.
Gio van Bronckhorst's side have come under-fire after producing three uninspiring performances in the aftermath of a 7-1 Champions League thrashing by Liverpool two weeks ago. While the north-east club have had contrasting fortunes after Jim Goodwin's men bounced back from their Tannadice horror show with three consecutive wins and are scoring goals for fun.
And now Miller thinks this is a great chance for the Dons to rub more salt in the Light Blues' wounds. "Aberdeen can take advantage of Rangers’ fragility when they travel to Ibrox on Saturday. This is the right time to face a Rangers side who are nowhere near their best," wrote Miller in his Press and Journal column. "The only downside is that the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden is not until January 16.
"Rangers have strength in depth, but there seems to be something off just now within that club which needs to be exploited. Aberdeen and manager Jim Goodwin are more than capable of capitalising on where Rangers find themselves at the moment.
"Recent performances against Livingston (1-1) and Championship Dundee (1-0 win) show the Ibrox club are nowhere near their best. I don’t think you can in any way take Rangers for granted as they will have the backing of the support at a full Ibrox.
"Rangers have to be given respect as the side has good players and there is nothing worse than a wounded animal. However, Aberdeen must be confident in their own form which gives them a great chance of taking something.
"They have to go to Rangers with a positive attitude and I think Goodwin will have that. I don’t see the Aberdeen manager going to Ibrox and changing it to be too defensive.
"While you have to be wary of Rangers you also have to carry your own threat. If Aberdeen go to Ibrox with a positive mood, they will know, if Rangers repeat their recent form, a victory can be secured."
Miller also paid tribute to Aberdeen strike duo Bojan Miovski and Luis 'Duk' Lopes who both netted in the Dons win at Fir Park on Saturday. And the former Scotland defender reckons the pair are benefiting from Goodwin's change of system, with the Pittodrie boss tweaking things to accommodate three at the back and two forwards.
"The emergence of Duk must be really pleasing manager Goodwin as the former Benfica striker looks a threat in every game. Duk has real pace, directness and has scored in each of the last three matches," added Miller.
"North Macedonian international Miovski is the more natural goalscorer as he is cool and calm running off the shoulder of defenders. However, Duk would frighten the life out of most defenders due to his directness and pace. Defenders will be very, very wary of Duk.
"There is a good balance between Miovski and Duk as they are not the same type of striker. They complement one another, which is what you need in a two-man strike force – players that are not similar and can offer different attacking aspects to occupy and frighten defenders.
"If I was playing against those two, I would know I was in a game of football and had to really concentrate to take care of them. They offer different threats, don’t make the same runs and offer different options for their teammates.
"When you are a manager looking to create a potent strike force that diversity is what is needed. It is refreshing to see the commitment to two strikers as well. Aberdeen are scoring goals and looking more defensively solid."
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