ABERDEEN travel to face Clyde in the first of the Scottish Cup fourth round ties when the so-called big guns enter.
For the Dons, they are bidding to end a frankly ludicrous 34-year hiatus from winning the trophy and since that 1990 penalty shootout win against Celtic, they have only managed to reach the final a paltry three times.
And their dismal record in the Scottish Cup reached a new low last year when they crashed out at this stage to non-league Darvel in what was the biggest shock in what was then the 149-years of the competition.
So there's no chance that Barry Robson's side will treat the Bully Wee with anything other than full respect on Friday at Hamilton's New Douglas Park.
The Dons have endured a curious campaign stuffed full of under-performances in the Premiership where they currently sit in a pitiful eighth place although they do have games in hand.
Yet in their European campaign, they scored in all eight games and turned in some very good displays against big names.
For Clyde, their focus must only be on Scottish League survival. They sit in bottom place in League Two, five points from safety although new manager Ian McCall appears to have made a difference already having brought in plenty of new players.
How the bookies view it
Aberdeen are as short as 1/5 generally, although you can get some 2/9 with Coral.
Clyde can be backed at 12/1 with bet365 and the draw is 5/1 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
The clubs haven't met for 33 years and Clyde haven't beaten the Dons since a 2-1 win at Shawfield…in 1969.
Players to watch
Martin Rennie has scored three goals in his last four games including in the weekend draw at East Fife. He is 15/4 to score anytime with bet365.
With Aberdeen top scorer Bojan Miovski as short as 8/11, there might be a spot of value in Jamie McGrath who has scored seven goals for the Dons this season. The former St Mirren midfielder is 11/5 to score anytime, also with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Aberdeen looked decent in their last game before the winter break at Ross County when the penny finally seemed to drop with Barry Robson that his side are better with four at the back rather than the five he's insisted on playing all season. They looked a team transformed and actually passed instead of their usual hoofball.
Presuming he sticks with this system, it's hard not to see Aberdeen ease past their modest opponents on Friday, with even the pitch not really a leveller this time with the artificial surface in Lanarkshire.
Darvel will ensure there is zero complacency and the Dons should be backed to win to nil at 6/5 with BetVictor.
You would have to think a fast start would be essential to knock any encouragement out of their hosts and the 3/4 on a half time and full time win looks a solid shout with Coral.
This Scottish Cup match between Clyde and Aberdeen will be played on Jan 19, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Clyde vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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