IT is possible that the two runners involved in the race for the premier-division title will have been forced to make room for another candidate by the time Sunday dinner is over.

If there was to be any interloper at the Old Firm's

private party, it was always going to be Aberdeen, but few believed that this was a realistic proposition, and that may well have included the men in Pittodrie's corridor of power.

However, if the northern lights shine to the extent of beating Rangers in the live televised match in Aberdeen tomorrow, it would be hard to argue against their right to be considered challengers for the major prize available in this country.

If that happened, Aberdeen would be within four points of the Ibrox side and, in any league in which three points are awarded for a win, that makes them contenders.

Even if Celtic have beaten Hearts and have joined Rangers on 29 points by that time, it would leave the Dons sitting in a very handy place, lurking behind the Glasgow pair and would give the two something else to think about, other than themselves.

The corollary of that, of course, is that if Rangers win, Aberdeen would be 10 points behind them, and would have virtually no chance of being involved at the sharp end next spring.

Manager Roy Aitken, who is almost certain to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Hibs last week, acknowledged the importance of the occasion but said: ``We will have the backing of what looks like a sell-out crowd.

``We need this support and will try to repay them with the performance required to achieve victory.

``Rangers are the team everyone is trying to catch. They have won the first trophy of the season and are again leading the league. This is a high-profile game but we can make inroads on Rangers' lead. I feel if we play to our capabilities we can narrow the gap.''

Aitken's central defender, Brian Irvine, admitted that beating Rangers is more difficult than ever. The fact that his team have not done so in the league for almost two years is firm evidence that the Aberdeen man, who has defied MS to force his way back into the first team, has a point.

``We have improved in this period but so have they. All credit to them. Looking at their strengths, they have always defended well.

``They have been able to come here, soak up pressure, and pose a serious threat on the break. Tactically all their defensive units play well and they have players like Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup to exploit the counter-attacks.

``Gazza turned the Coca-Cola Cup final within two minutes last week at Parkhead. That is how dangerous he can be and you must be ready for him.''

Rangers will be without Alex Cleland who was replaced after half-time in the Coca-Cola final after having suffered a groin strain and will be out for a couple of weeks. The chances are that Greg Shields will come into his place, allowing Craig Moore to continue in midfield.

``It is a big game for us,'' said Rangers manager Walter Smith, ``and we will have to show our recent form to come away with any points.''

The possibility that Celtic could go to the top on goal difference before Rangers take on the northern side is not considered of ultra importance by Smith, who pointed out that it is a

scenario which has occurred many times. ``If it was the last game of the season then it might be different,'' he said, ``but I don't think it matters at this stage.''