Rangers 0 Aberdeen 0 LIVE score and goal updates from the Viaplay Cup final showdown at Hampden

The chart hit blaring states ‘Loving You Is In My DNA’ and that seems becoming for 50,000 followers paying to expertise the equal of being dunked right into a tank to observe the group they love.

There’s moist then there’s this! It is sodden however these two groups have a knack for warming followers up once they duke it out.

Let’s hope for a basic as there may be critical scope for epic slide tackles and celebrations.

Stand Free is the cry from the Dons housed to the proper of the fundamental stand.

The entrances, which sit atop Hampden is permitting punters to make their approach in, has drenched punters unfazed regardless of their moist fits as perception soars that that is their day.

Heads down for many however Lundstram turns to the stands to soak in the environment.

And what a noise it’s!

This feels mega and the pre-match atmosphere will solely heighten when the boys in purple take part the enjoyable.

The keepers are out and and are going by means of their warm-ups as the followers pile into to a rain-soaked Hampden.

The nationwide stadium has acquired a kicking over the years because of the state of the pitch is holding up nicely on a slick floor.

Expect the common thrills and this pitch seems excellent to deliver added drama.

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers was chatting with membership media forward of the large kick-off and the Nigerian worldwide was in assured temper as he seems to be to win his first medal for the membership.

[The mood is] Good, all people is trying ahead to this sport, it is a large alternative for Rangers as a membership as nicely to take a trophy so we’re prepared.

I feel it was good to have the sport on Thursday truly, so you are not the complete week specializing in the Cup Final and we bought a giant psychological increase out of the sport on Thursday so let’s hope that we are able to convert that into the sport right now.

We have a plan prepared as nicely, to attempt to beat them. It will not be straightforward, however cup finals by no means are and if you wish to win a trophy, you’ll have to work arduous for it, present high quality and I’m positive we are able to do this right now.

The final time each these sides lifted this well-known previous trophy, additional time was required earlier than they bought their palms on the silverware.

Rangers managed to bag a profitable goal in the further 30 minutes, in 2011, by means of Croatian hitman Nikica Jelavic however Aberdeen required a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to beat Inverness Caley Thistle at Celtic Park in 2014 – one through which present supervisor Barry Robson transformed the Dons’ first penalty in a 4-2 shootout win after a goalless 120 minutes.

What odds on additional time being required as soon as extra this afternoon?

Showtime is quick approaching as we enter the final hour earlier than kick-off in the Scottish League Cup Final.

Miovski makes it as Robson all however confirmed with a glint in his eye.

His double act with Sokler precipitated Rangers actual points three weeks in the past and Aberdeen hope for the identical once more.

In the blue nook, Sterling is the foreign money Phillipe Clement hopes pays off in the midfield with the proper again eager to play wherever and he has been a real asset in opposition to each Dundee and in the second half in Seville

Only considered one of our group plumped for the Dons however Fraser Wilson reckons that, if Bojan Miovski is match and firing, they’ll simply edge it.

The solely factor predictable about this final is that it is going to be fiery with no quarter given from both aspect. Rangers have been decimated by damage and suspension and Aberdeen have proven they’ve the sport plan for giant leads to Europe and Ibrox already this season.

If they’ll get the defensive aspect proper once more then the Dons’ match-winners at the different finish could make the distinction. Much will rely on Bojan Miovski being match however Robson is optimistic on that entrance.

Fraser Wilson’s prediction: Rangers 1 Aberdeen 2 (AET)

Record Sport’s high group have had a go at predicting this one and our man Keith Jackson reckons we’re in for 120 unforgettable minutes.

Rangers will take the trophy house as a result of failure to take action doesn’t bear enthusiastic about for Philippe Clement and his gamers. But Aberdeen gained’t come to Glasgow to roll over for them.

It can be tight – maybe going all the technique to additional time – however the Ibrox outfit have the high quality to prevail and a supervisor able to making large selections at the proper second.

Keith Jackson’s prediction: Rangers 3 Aberdeen 2 (AET)

Will the Ibrox males be feeling it this afternoon, or will Aberdeen be standing free with the League Cup trophy held aloft come 5pm? We’ll quickly discover out on one other stellar Scottish soccer Sunday.

If you do fancy backing your boys at the bookies, then Betway have gotten you coated. The newest odds for this Hampden showdown have Rangers as heavy favourites at 2/5, whereas Aberdeen will be discovered at 11/2, each costs are for a win in 90 minutes.

Betway: Rangers vs Aberdeen match odds

Rangers – 2/5

Draw – 7/2

Aberdeen – 11/2

More from Graeme Young at Hampden Park. That pie sounds scrumptious.

Planning is afoot as membership media from each groups get theirs geese in a row for when, or extra appropriately if, their group comes out on high. The media room is alive with pleasure which is heightened on two fronts. A superior steak pie has been warmly devoured and now these overlaying the sport put their plans in place – win or lose. From image ops to branded buses, the work to crown a winner will get underway lengthy earlier than the engraver makes it official at the final whistle.

Connor Goldson was waiting for the large kick-off and the large defender was chatting with Rangers TV for a match preview.

We need to make it a memorable week for the soccer membership, for ourselves, for our households and add one other quantity, one other trophy to this membership’s historical past.

It’s the identical motivation, we need to win the whole lot as at all times, however at the identical time, it’s one thing that I do not assume anybody in that altering room has gained, so it is a huge alternative so early in the season, to get the first trophy, to deliver it again to Ibrox and to then actually kick on after that.

We should go there and play our sport, but in addition I feel the event can deliver out the greatest in you. The pre-match nerves that you simply get and that little bit of pleasure.

We all understand how large the event is, however at the identical time now we have to placed on a efficiency that may warrant us getting a outcome.

Our man Graeme Young is making his technique to Hampden Park as he fights by means of the sheets of rain.

There’s a buzz, however you simply have to know the place to search out it. This is the kind of distinctive Scottish rain that forces you to hunt shelter regardless. Whether you’re blue or purple, the Montford or Clockwork, the candy aid of a pre-match pint gives respite from each the components and the pre-match nerves. Flag sellers are soaked to the bone however their service will quickly be searched for punters heading into this previous Mount Florida staple to take pleasure in a Final that has Scottish soccer transfixed on the final result.

Fans throughout the world all crave the identical factor. A goal-laden striker who piles on the distress for opposition defences by hitting the onion bag in nearly each sport.

Rangers and Aberdeen supporters are not any completely different in that regard, however it could be truthful to say that the two gamers at the moment sporting their No. 9 jersey have had contrasting fortunes.

For Aberdeen, Bojan Miovski has been a talismanic determine since his arrival from MTK Budapest 18 months in the past and the North Macedonian is considered one of the very first names on the teamsheet when match.

For Cyriel Dessers, the No. 9 jersey made well-known by the likes of McCoist, Mols, Boyd, Prso and Defoe has appeared to weigh heavy on his shoulders. He’s taken greater than his fair proportion of flak from the Ibrox assist at instances this season and have been it not for an additional damage to the Ibrox aspect’s No. 99 Danilo, he could be unlikely to start out this afternoon.

One factor each strikers have proven is a capability to score important objectives in large matches. Dessers’ goal in the Benito Villamarin on Thursday night time in opposition to Betis was a standout second in his time at the membership, whereas Miovski has netted on three events in opposition to Rangers.

Whether it is a health race or a seek for that vein of kind, either side are dealing with a No. 9 conundrum forward of this afternoon’s showpiece event.

It could also be nigh-on 23 years since these two previous rivals final met in a home Final, however that sun-soaked event was one which was arduous to high when it comes to pure drama as Rangers ran out 4-0 winners in opposition to a sea-of-orange backdrop in celebration of supervisor Dick Advocaat and his assortment of Dutch masters.

Robbie Winters had began on the bench for the Dons, however remarkably got here on to play over 87 minutes in GOAL for Ebbe Skovdahl’s aspect after a sickening conflict between Rangers’ Rod Wallace and Aberdeen’s Jim Leighton in simply the third minute left the legendary goalie with a damaged jaw on what had been slated to be his final look earlier than retiring.

With solely three substitutes allowed to be named, neither aspect opted for a sub keeper and it was to price Aberdeen any actual shot that they had at bringing the Scottish Cup again to Pittodrie.

A star-studded Rangers aspect would finally put the Dons to the sword as they scored 4 objectives in a 15-minute spell sandwiching the half-time interval to kill off any Roy-of-the-Rovers fashion fairy story, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Tony Vidmar, Billy Dodds and Jorg Albertz all netting.

Winters had placed on an admirable displaying between the sticks, making plenty of saves that any goalie would have been happy with, nevertheless it wasn’t to be for the Scotland worldwide.

He would recall, years later, that:

It was a few weeks earlier than and the supervisor stated, ‘does anyone fancy doing this if it comes up’. I caught my hand up pondering it was a one in 1,000,000.

I had by no means performed in goal since I used to be a child diving about with my mates in the park however knew that, with solely three subs then, they didn’t need to dissipate one for a keeper.

Between then and the final I had a number of wee run-outs in goal, however all the whereas I used to be pondering, ‘there’s nae probability of me having to go in’.

Kenny Dalglish reckons Aberdeen are going into the Viaplay Cup final well-rested and ready of power in comparison with rivals Rangers.

It’s a final for the ages at Hampden with each groups excessive on confidence and in good nick. Something has to offer and Philippe Clement’s group are understandably the favourites however this Aberdeen aspect reside for the large events and their counter-attacking fashion has posed issues for Rangers in the very latest previous – they have been inside minutes of beating them at Pittodrie in November earlier than James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaged some extent.

Barry was capable of relaxation a number of gamers for right now’s sport. With Aberdeen already being out of Europe, he might experiment right here and there. Philippe Clement did not have that luxurious. He began with what he felt was his strongest out there aspect. And he’ll ask most of them to provide one thing particular once more right now.

He’s again!

The official approach lately to substantiate you are in is a graphic on social media previewing the Final.

Clement stated he was goer and that has now been ratified in a really 21st century replace on Instagram.

Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement has plenty of wide range selections to make as his final as Ibrox boss attracts nearer following their exceptional 3-2 success in Spain in opposition to Real Betis.

Who will get the beginning nod up entrance? Will Leon Balogun return following his Euro exile? Will Ryan Jack overcome his seemingly perpetual damage worries to line up in midfield?

All can be revealed, however here is how we reckon the Light Blues might form up in Mount Florida.

We’ll have the official group strains for you as quickly as we get them for this mouthwatering conflict.

Will Bojan Miovski win his health race to start out the showpiece event? Will Duk be a part of him up high after his goalscoring show on Thursday night time in opposition to Eintracht Frankfurt?

We’ve bought our man’s predictions for the Aberdeen lineup proper right here.

It’s a wet, breezy, blustery previous day in Glasgow and that ought to contribute closely as to how issues play out this afternoon. It’s comparatively gentle for this time of yr, however with Christmas simply 8 days away we’re not anticipating both aspect to be in any kind of gift-giving temper.

The mercury is about to high out at a balmy 11C however that may really feel cooler with the breeze.

The first main piece of silverware is up for grabs between these two previous rivals at Hampden this afternoon and Don Robertson has been appointed to supervise proceedings in Mount Florida.

He leads an on-field group of officers which incorporates assistants Daniel McFarlane and Ross Macleod working the strains whereas David Munro is the man between the technical areas as the fourth official.

In the VAR Room Andrew Dallas leads the group accountable for the screens, with Andrew McWilliam working as AVAR.

Philippe Clement revealed Scott Wright is match and out there for seletion and Hampden has been his stage for Rangers, scoring in the Scottish Cup final in 2021 and this season’s Viaplay Cup semi final win over Hearts. Could Wright are available right now or will the Belgian keep on with Ross McCausland? READ MORE

Barry Robson is unbeaten in opposition to Rangers this season and the Dons have misplaced simply considered one of the final 4 in opposition to their rivals. And the Pittodrie gaffer rallied his troops forward of the sport.

You have to return off the pitch figuring out you couldn’t have carried out any extra. I’ve stated to the gamers the video games they’ll bear in mind are the large ones – the cup finals, enjoying in Europe.

Those are the days and nights you look again on while you end up. All you are able to do is give your all in the sport, and while you do that you may at all times sleep at night time.

These boys will – I’ve little doubt about that. As a participant I made flawed selections on the ball and generally you don’t play nicely, however you at all times have to offer your all. I don’t ask gamers to beat 5 males and stick it in the high nook. Just give me your all – and that’s what they do each week.

Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller has had his say on the large match in his newest Sunday Mail column. READ MORE

The momentum is with Rangers at the second and their followers will flip up right now anticipating victory. That expectation and demand brings a stress, however Rangers can even use it as an actual momentum builder. To put the first trophy on the board on the again of a extremely good achievement in Spain can actually drive them on and carry them into what’s going to be a cracking sport at Celtic Park at the finish of the month.

I’ve stated beforehand that December may very well be huge for the membership. Part one has been signed off with the profitable of the Europa League group. Now it’s half two. Of course, the solely two factors Clement has dropped in the Premiership have been in opposition to Aberdeen and I’m positive Barry Robson will use a template right now which has labored for him in opposition to Rangers earlier than. Go over the 4 video games he has had in opposition to them. Wins of 3-1 and 2-0, a 1-1 draw and one defeat.

Knowing Barry fairly nicely and watching his group rather a lot, I feel it fits him to play Rangers. Obviously, there may be the ardour and rivalry that goes into the fixture and individuals saying Aberdeen step it up in opposition to Rangers. Well it is a cup final, so they’ll actually step up with one thing huge to attain. I’m satisfied Barry will strategy this one the approach he has carried out the earlier video games – be very tight, 5 at the again, 4 throughout the center and one up. Aberdeen will attempt and frustrate as a result of they know there can be probabilities on the counter.

Bojan Miovski bought a easy goal in opposition to Rangers final time with a direct ball. Aris Limassol scored one prefer it at Ibrox. Rangers will be exploited and Aberdeen have carried out it with Barry in cost. Aberdeen can be ready to be snug working inside their form with alternatives to interrupt for objectives or reap the benefits of set performs. There’s no approach Barry will throw warning to wind and open the sport up.