Rangers are once again up against Aberdeen this weekend as the Dons make their way down to Ibrox to face a wounded Gers team fresh from their Scottish Cup semi-final exit.
It was a bitterly disappointing trip to Hampden for Michael Beale's men, who despite looking the better side at times were unable to overturn their 1-0 lead after Jota's opener just shy of half-time. There were plenty of big calls made on the day as to who would face the Hoops, but now some decisions arisen for the manager once again.
Having been brought off at half-time, Ryan Kent had an afternoon to forget in Mount Florida, as he failed to create any big chances to give his side the lead or pull them back into the tie. He is a doubt for this one and has been monitored in the build-up.
But Malik Tillman's absence leaves Beale a man down in attack as the Bayern Munich loanee left the pitch visibly upset with his season now over. He has returned to Germany to his parent club with his future beyond the summer still ongoing in the background.
There are also questions surrounding Alfredo Morelos, who also failed to hit the target on Sunday as he struggled in front of goal against Celtic once again.
Defeat to Aberdeen would not only hand the visitors a first Ibrox victory since 2019, but also hand the Granite City outfit back-to-back wins over Light Blues having come undone at Pittodrie nearly a fortnight ago.
There are signs of hope in the defensive ranks, with Connor Goldson coming through the semi-final unscathed and now looking set to feature against the Dons, but all focus will be on who leads the attack, and it could well be time for Beale to test the waters and see who is up to the challenge.
His promise of a major rebuild brings about a test for his squad as they look to prove they can make the cut to be around next season, but with Aberdeen in resurgent form they will have to find a way of breaking down the stubborn defence and bringing an end to their seven-match unbeaten run.
Several of Beale's squad from the cup semi defeat would be expected to retain their starting spot, including Nicolas Raskin, Ben Davies and James Tavernier. But all focus could be on who the Englishman opts to for in place of Kent and Morelos as he aims to avoid three successive defeats in all competitions with Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo namechecked for a chance to impress.
READ NEXT:
- Gio van Bronckhorst on Rangers sacking 'hurt' as he talks jobs and his favoured next destination
- Amad Diallo 'set' for big Manchester United chance as post-Rangers form at Sunderland catches eye
- Barry Ferguson names Rangers 'imperative' as Michael Beale rebuild has legend 'genuinely excited'
