Pressure game at Pittodrie, McGregor & Critchley in focus

Rangers at Pittodrie always has an edge and this time we have the potential added spice of a home win clinching the title for Celtic.

Aberdeen have found their mojo again in the race for third place, with four wins and two draws from their past seven Premiership matches.

Rangers are still waiting for a first home win under Barry Ferguson but have won each of their past five away league games, scoring at least three each time.

There may be a few tired legs after Thursday’s defensive heroics against Athletic Bilbao and the interim head coach’s team selection could be influenced by the trip to Spain next week, with a place in the last four of the Europa League on the line.

However, fatigue was not a factor when Rangers won at Celtic Park last month just three days after extra-time and penalties against Fenerbahce.

The Dons are unbeaten in three home league games against Rangers (W2 D1) and are looking to win back-to-back for the first time since February 2006 under Jimmy Calderwood.

Meanwhile, the visitors are seeking back-to-back wins at Pittodrie for the first time since December 2022.

Only in September 1899 and November 1957 have Rangers ever scored three-plus goals in six straight away league victories.

In a wildly topsy turvy term, Rangers have also conceded two or more goals in each of their past six league games. Yet, with 10 men, they kept Bilbao out.

Will they show the same focus and resolve against an Aberdeen side that has scored 10 in their past three at home in all competitions?

Early Sunday starts can be soporific affairs. This one should be anything but.