Billy Dodds roars Aberdeen fancy their Rangers chances as confident Dons 'won't get better chance' at Hampden glory

Billy Dodds reckons Aberdeen’s players will go into the Viaplay Cup Final full of confidence, knowing they’ve had the upper hand over Rangers this season.

The former striker has lifted the League Cup with both teams, following up a triumph with the Dons in 1995 by claiming glory with Gers seven years later. Dodds knows Rangers go into the Hampden clash as favourites. But he reckons Barry Robson’s side will take enormous belief from the fact they won 3-1 at Ibrox back in September before the Light Blues needed a late equaliser to salvage a point at Pittodrie last month.

Dodds said: “You have to be realistic and say Rangers are still favourites. They have had a good run since the new manager has come in the door. You would still fancy them if they can play to the standard we know they can. But given what Aberdeen have done against them in the last few games, you would say this final is more open.

“There has to be a real belief within the Aberdeen squad that they can do it. There will be a genuine belief having drawn with them at Pittodrie and beaten them at Ibrox. This is as good a chance as they will get in a final against Celtic or Rangers. You know this fixture, it is a powder keg.

“You need calm heads, strong minds and belief. If they go in with that approach they will have a real opportunity but Rangers are still favourites, with the size of the club, budget and squad they have.

“However, they must do better than in the last two games against Aberdeen. Those two results will give the Dons confidence.”

Top scorer Bojan Miovski has been struggling with a minor hamstring problem and Dodds admits the North Macedonian striker is key to their Hampden hopes. He said: “You saw what he did in the semi-final against Hibs. If he