Aberdeen versus Rangers. Comfortably one of the biggest games of the season in normal circumstances, but with Philippe Clement’s Gers already six points behind the high-flying Dons, few fixtures have been as important as this one in recent years.
With Jimmy Thelin’s side on a run of eight wins from their first nine games, Aberdeen will be desperate to build on their outstanding early season form and prove their title credentials by moving nine points clear of Rangers in third.
For the visiting Ibrox giants, defeat is unthinkable. Heading into the game in patchy form, Rangers were able to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Kilmarnock with a 2-1 win over St Mirren at the weekend, but failure to win on Wednesday evening will have huge ramifications on any title aspirations they may have this year.
With Aberdeen clear of their rivals in the league, many have attested that the Dons are simply a better side than Rangers, though the notion has been scoffed at by those of a royal blue persuasion, confident that they can haul back the points difference come the end of the campaign.
But which players would make a combined Aberdeen and Rangers starting XI, based on their displays in the opening throws of the 24/25 season?
Here are the XI players who would make up the combined Aberdeen and Rangers XI, using the popular football statistics website FotMob.

5. LB: Jefte - Rangers
Much like James Tavernier, the Brazilian is outperforming his opposite number Jack MacKenzie despite the Aberdeen man's recent Scotland call-up. Jefte is rated at 7.17 on average for his performance this season, thanks to his 85% passing accuracy and recoveries. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

6. CM: Sivert Heltne Nilsen - Aberdeen
The 33-year-old midfielder has been a crucial signing for Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen and is rated at 7.43 for his performances in the engine room this year. The Norwegian touches the ball 93% more than other midfielders in the division and provides an impressive 84.6% passing accuracy rate while he is doing it. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

7. CM: Jamie McGrath - Aberdeen
He's been a stand out performer for Aberdeen during their strong start to the campaign. With the highest average rating in the division at 7.91, the Irishman walks into this starting XI with consummate ease. Rated at just £1million by FotMob, he's been far more valuable for Aberdeen this season with an incredible eight goal contributions in just nine games. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

8. CM: Graeme Shinnie - Aberdeen
A revelation in the middle for Aberdeen this season, the experienced central midfielder is ranking at 7.54 on average for his performances so far. Has an 84.2% passing accuracy rate, and has chipped in with three assists and one goal for Jimmy Thelin's revitalised team. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

