Scottish Premiership Midweek Fixtures: Key Matches for Aberdeen, Rangers, Celtic, and Dundee

A full schedule of midweek matches is set for the Scottish Premiership, with one fixture particularly prominent among the six games scheduled for Wednesday. While matches between Aberdeen and Rangers are typically intense, the upcoming encounter carries additional significance. This televised game could potentially be a season-defining match, even at this early stage of the competition. Simultaneously, reigning champions Celtic will aim to capitalize as they host Dundee. Here is an overview of what to anticipate across the six games: Following their recovery from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park, a result widely considered the first significant test of Jimmy Thelin’s new era, Aberdeen will approach their home game against Rangers with increased confidence. They believe they can, at minimum, challenge the Old Firm for a top position in the table this season. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic is the only team to have prevented Thelin’s side from winning in 15 outings this season. Nine of Aberdeen’s victories, including Sunday’s 1-0 win over Dundee United, have occurred at home, establishing Pittodrie as a formidable venue for visiting teams once again. A 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen last September contributed to Michael Beale’s departure as Rangers manager, and the Ibrox side has not secured a victory in their last two visits to Pittodrie. Current Ibrox manager Philippe Clement faces growing fan dissatisfaction regarding his position, just over a year since the Belgian took charge. Rangers responded to a 1-0 defeat in Kilmarnock with a convincing 4-0 victory over FCSB in the Europa League, but then secured a narrow 2-1 win against St Mirren on Sunday. Both of those recent wins were achieved at Ibrox. Away from Govan, Clement’s team has recorded only two wins in six away matches this season. In the Premiership, they have collected all three points just twice in nine away outings, with only one of those coming in their last six. Clement has a record of defeating Aberdeen, though his two most recent wins against them occurred before Thelin’s management and were both home fixtures. Clement’s sole visit to Pittodrie, almost exactly a year ago, resulted in a 1-1 draw. A similar outcome in the upcoming match would leave Rangers six points behind Aberdeen and likely further adrift of Celtic, potentially not alleviating pressure on the former Club Bruges boss. While Aberdeen’s recent form is strong, with their position below the top spot solely due to Celtic’s superior goal difference, Rangers hold a historical advantage. They have lost only once in their last 13 visits to Pittodrie—in April 2023—winning six of those matches. Overall, Rangers have suffered just two defeats in their last 24 meetings with Aberdeen. Clement’s decision to bench captain James Tavernier on Sunday caused surprise. Regardless of whether it was intended as a tactical move or to rest him for Pittodrie, Tavernier’s return for the match seems probable. He has scored 13 goals against Aberdeen, which is more than any other player has achieved against a single club since the Premiership was rebranded in 2013. To avoid a defeat at Pittodrie that could further complicate the situation for another Ibrox manager, Rangers will need to perform strongly, drawing on their historical record against Aberdeen. The match is anticipated to be highly competitive. Luke McCowan has experienced a steady start to his Celtic career following his reported £1m transfer from Dundee on deadline day. However, an injury to captain Callum McGregor provided the 26-year-old midfielder with his first league start for Celtic, and he made a positive impression. McCowan, who has stated he has been utilizing a mindset coach for game preparation since before his move to Celtic, scored the opening goal against Motherwell on Sunday. Manager Rodgers has indicated that McGregor might be fit enough to return midweek. Nevertheless, McCowan could again have the opportunity to demonstrate his place in the starting line-up as his former teammates from Dundee visit the east end of Glasgow. The Scottish player’s improved performance has coincided with, and contributed to, a decline in form for Dundee under former manager Tony Docherty. Fan dissatisfaction is growing after a sequence of one win in their last eight outings, although that single victory came in their most recent away trip to Motherwell. Dundee has not defeated Celtic in 43 meetings since a 2-0 win at Celtic Park in April 2001, and they have lost their last 10 consecutive matches against them. Docherty would likely prefer that his former protégé does not deliver another impressive performance that contributes to the continuation of this poor run. Simo Valakari, who previously managed Riga in Latvian football, has made a positive impact at McDiarmid Park in his brief tenure as Craig Levein’s successor, lifting spirits at the club. The 51-year-old Finn aims to build on his side’s resilient performance against Dundee on Saturday as they embark on another away trip—a “battle of the Saints” match scheduled 24 hours before All Hallows Eve. After work permit delays postponed his official appointment last week, the former Motherwell midfielder will face St Mirren in Paisley. He has confirmed that his backroom staff, comprising former caretakers Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland, will remain in their roles. Valakari’s team displayed energy and dynamism in the second half of their previous match, ultimately securing a comeback victory at Dens Park. Building on that performance, while also addressing St Johnstone’s somewhat inconsistent defense, will be a priority against Stephen Robinson’s typically strong hosts. St Mirren are unbeaten in their last nine home games against St Johnstone.