Jimmy Thelin expecting Rangers game to be ‘intense’ despite European exertions

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin expects an intense encounter with Rangers despite his opponents’ European focus.

Rangers lost Bailey Rice and Dujon Sterling to injury during the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao and several other players played through the pain barrier.

After holding the Basque side to a goalless draw despite playing with 10 men for the vast bulk of the game following Robin Propper’s red card, interim head coach Barry Ferguson is likely to mix up his starting line-up at Pittodrie on Sunday ahead of the away leg four days later.

But Thelin expects a fully engaged Rangers side in a game which could clinch the title for Celtic if Aberdeen get a positive result.

The Swede said: “They have a good squad, so they’re going to have good players on the pitch whoever plays but so do we. I think it’s going to be a really intense, a really energetic game. It’s going to be a good game on Sunday.

“We know how much it means for everyone. I think the game will be really intense. I think the most important thing for us is to do our things really well.

“They also have a strong squad, and they will be ready. It’s going to be an exciting game. We know at home at Pittodrie, our supporters, they are so energetic and give us so much energy. We’re looking forward to it.

“You do all of the preparations during the week. The players are ambitious, they are competitive, they love to play at home at Pittodrie. You don’t need to say so much.

“We have our game plan, but still, it’s decisions from individuals and as a collective on the pitch that will help us to win. They will be ready.”