Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes feels it would be more than a bit embarrassing for Rangers if they miss out on second spot.
The resources on offer at Ibrox should put them ahead of the Dons and Hibernian according to McInnes, however all three clubs are still in with a chance of finishing second.
Neil Lennon said, prior to bringing his side to Pittodrie on Saturday, that finishing second would be as good as winning titles with Celtic. That feeling is mirrored in the Granite City, with the Dons in line for a fourth successive runner-up spot should they emerge victorious tonight against the Gers.
McInnes made a similar remark at the end of last season, when former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha said he thought Aberdeen’s “cycle” was coming to an end.
McInnes said: “It would be more than a bit of an embarrassment for Rangers if they don’t finish second with what they have to play with. A lot of these players have been there for a while and going on to their fourth manager in 18 months.
“It’s not just down to the managers, they have a lot of good players there. I think with what Rangers have and how they recruited in the January window they should be second.
“But it says a lot for us and for Hibs that we’re still there and battling for second place. Neil Lennon said it will feel like winning the league to Hibs and it’s no different for us because we want to do it.
“It would be a huge disappointment to have gone this close and not finish second now.”
Tonight’s encounter presents a chance for the Dons to get their first win over Old Firm opposition this season, one which would secure Europa League football for the fifth campaign in succession.
McInnes said: “This is a totally new squad we put together last summer so if we can finish second then it would be a good achievement. The will is there, we are motivated to do it and the intention is to show we’re good enough tonight.
“In the Rangers games this season I think their middle to front players have performed better than ours. We have got to make sure we are better individually this time and lay a glove on them.
“There are a lot of good players on both teams so hopefully we can come up with the decisive moments to win the game. I would hate not to have the chance to play them again, I would be disappointed not to have them in the last two matches.”
Niall McGinn misses out with a groin problem and Gary Mackay-Steven has a calf injury, so will not feature. Kenny McLean and Chidi Nwakali return.