Derek McInnes believes Rangers remain favourites to finish second in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Hearts leapfrogged the Ibrox side into the runners-up spot behind league leaders Celtic after a 2-0 win on Wednesday night.

Aberdeen remain fourth in the table but could go second if they win their two games in hand.

Ahead of their trip to Govan, McInnes says Rangers will be viewed as most likely to finish the campaign as best of the rest.

He said: "I still think Rangers, just by the sheer nature of what they can do in January as well, will be favourites to finish second.

"But we certainly feel second spot is something we can aim for and if we win our games in hand we would go second.

"Any time you beat teams round and about you it helps because you are inflicting damage on them."

James Maddison's injury-time free-kick gave the Dons a 2-1 triumph at Pittodrie earlier this season and McInnes has prepared his players to face a hostile atmosphere in Glasgow.

"I think it's something we have to mention," he said.

"The game up here was much anticipated, certainly from our supporters, a full house.

"But it passed without real incident. The talking point was James Maddison's magnificent free-kick."

He added: "Hopefully we are talking about the football at the end of it and hopefully another three points for Aberdeen. That's what we are aiming to do.

"The players should expect and will expect a tough game, and going into an intimidating atmosphere like that is part of growing up and dealing with what we need to deal with. I still want us to go there and be brave and play our game."