Aberdeen hero Joe Lewis insists Rangers are 'easier' to play against than Celtic. 

The former Dons captain made the statement while appearing in the Sky Sports studio alongside Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton. 

The punditry trio is in position to comment on Philippe Clement's side's visit to Pittodrie this afternoon.

Last time out Boyd inferred that Aberdeen try harder against Rangers, and raise their game against his former team compared to when they face the green and white half of Glasgow.

Aberdeen have defeated Rangers in two of the last three meetings between the teams, while they haven't managed victory over Celtic since 2018.

But Lewis, who retired in the summer aged 36, reckons Celtic are simply a better team and have been over the past few years. 

Asked if Aberdeen try harder against Rangers, Lewis said: "Absolutely not. I think you are probably comparing results against Celtic compared to Rangers. They are two completely different teams.

"Celtic in the last number of years have been a far better team, and 'easy' might not be the right word to use, but it's been much easier to play against Rangers.

"They give you more opportunities and have been a much weaker side. I think that's probably why they've had the better results against them.

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"There's a better atmosphere here for Rangers games above all else, which maybe helps the team. I've heard Rangers players and managers last season commenting on the atmosphere here. Whether that affects them, it shouldn't do.

"They play every week at Ibrox which is a loud stadium. I think Rangers need to look at their own performances against Aberdeen rather than Aberdeen against whoever else."

Boyd stood by his previous remarks. He said: “I said Barry Robson won’t have a problem getting his players up for this one. I stand by it. lot of people focused on what I didn't say rather than what I did say. Celtic were never mentioned."