Michael Beale reckons Aberdeen are the third best team in the country - with Rangers second.
The Ibrox boss hailed his Hampden opposition as the best of the rest outside of Rangers and Celtic in Scotland.
That's despite Aberdeen sitting in fifth in the Scottish Premiership table so far this season.
In the league alone, Hearts are third in the table with Livingston in fourth.
But for Beale, Aberdeen are still the third best team in Scotland.
READ MORE: Jim Goodwin feeling the pressure ahead of Rangers v Aberdeen
Speaking ahead of the Viaplay Cup semi-final at Hampden, Beale said: "We know that on their day, Aberdeen are a very, very good team.
"They are the third best team in the country at the moment.
"We are the second so it is a really great semi-final for the neutral.
"There was lots of drama at Pittodrie but each game is different. We need to bring the best version of ourselves.
"Neither team have anything to lose and it's important the Rangers fans and team go home happy that we're in a final."
Beale made two changes to his Rangers side for the semi-final with Allan McGregor and Alfredo Morelos in for Jon McLaughlin and Antonio Colak.
READ MORE: He smells of football: Michael Beale on Rangers star spotter John Park
Discussing his team selection, he told Rangers TV: "Natural. Allan was always coming back in for this game as our number one.
"We gave him a nice little rest last week and Jon came in and done excellent.
"We're very strong in that area.
"Antonio missing out today with a slight niggle which meant Alfredo comes back in the team.
"He'll really want to do well today, it's a big game for him, it's a big game for the squad.
"And we have Kemar Roofe on the bench as well which is welcome and it's a sign of strength that we have a player like him to call upon if required."
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