Rangers are favourites to finish second, says Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes
Thursday 1 December 2016 18:41, UK
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says Rangers should be considered favourites to finish second in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers slipped from second spot after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Hearts and host Aberdeen at Ibrox on Saturday, where the Dons can go a point ahead of Mark Warburton's side with two games in hand if they win.
The Gers have now lost to Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts away from home this season but McInnes feels their spending potential gives them an advantage.
"I still think Rangers, just by the sheer nature of what they can do in January as well, will be favourites to finish second," he said.
"But we certainly feel second spot is something we can aim for and if we win our games in hand we would go second.
"Any time you beat teams round and about you it helps because you are inflicting damage on them."
Saturday will be Aberdeen's first visit to Ibrox since a 1-1 draw in January 2012. The atmosphere is sure to reflect that animosity between both sets of supporters has not diminished and McInnes will tell his players to expect a hostile reception.
"I think it's something we have to mention," he said. "The game up here was much anticipated, certainly from our supporters, a full house.
"But it passed without real incident. The talking point was James Maddison's magnificent free-kick. Hopefully we are talking about the football at the end of it and hopefully another three points for Aberdeen. That's what we are aiming to do.
"The players should expect and will expect a tough game, and going into an intimidating atmosphere like that is part of growing up and dealing with what we need to deal with. I still want us to go there and be brave and play our game."
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