WHAT should have been a classic David v Goliath Scottish Cup tie between non-league juniors Darvel and Aberdeen has been cranked up a notch following the Dons' recent horror run.
Pittodrie boss Jom Goodwin's job is hanging by a thread after a defeat he described himself as ‘humiliating' when Aberdeen were crushed 5-0 by a Hearts team they are supposed to be battling for third with.
Since the World Cup break, the Dons have won just one game in eight in all competitions and that was at home to off-form St Johnstone.
Goodwin has hung himself by insisting defence would be ‘the easy part to fix' in his very first week in the job and yet they are worst defensively than ever.
A suicidal ‘do not cross the halfway line' tactic against Celtic was utterly pitiful and losing two injury time goals to Rangers at Pittodrie to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory lost him the fans' trust. Even last week's improved showing ended in defeat in the League Cup semi-final because of an idiotic challenge by Goodwin's captain Anthony Stewart.
Darvel come into this sitting on top of the West of Scotland Premier League and gave notice of what they are about by putting five past League One Montrose at Links Park and winning 7-1 at Lowland League side Dalbeattie Star, who are supposedly a level above them, in their Scottish Cup ties
How the bookies view it
There are some wild prices about on Darvel, although they have decreased. You can still get 45/1 with William Hill.
Aberdeen are a best-priced 1/16 with McBookie.com and the draw is 11/1 with Betfred.
Recent head to heads
The sides have never met and Aberdeen haven't played a non-league side in the Scottish Cup since 1971.
Players to watch
Allan McKenzie is Darvel's top scorer this season. The experienced 32-year-old has been with Pollok and Auchinleck Talbot and knows the way to goal.
Duk has proved to be just about the only shining light in a dismal season for the Dons. The Cape Verde international striker is a class above anyone else at Pittodrie. Prices should be available on the day.
Anything else catch the eye?
Let's be clear about Darvel – while they may be a sixth-tier side in name, the reality is they would probably be mid-table in League One.
They are packed with players with experience of senior football and are used to winning. Their 5-2 romp at Montrose should tell Aberdeen all they need to know.
Aberdeen were taken to extra time by League Two side Annan Athletic in the League Cup earlier this season when they were on a good run. The Dons are clearly favourites and should win, but would you want to be investing on the 1/16 for a team who simply cannot buy a win away from home?
Aberdeen are notoriously weak and soft defensively and Darvel's grizzled pros will know this. It would be absolutely no surprise if Darvel score here and the 13/5 for both teams to score with Paddy Power looks a cracking bet.
Perhaps Aberdeen's superior fitness will tell in the end, but this could be a lot closer than the bookies think. Darvel are 20/21 with a three goals start on the handicap, but take a stab at them with a two-goal start at a better price of 12/5 with bet365.
This Scottish Cup match between Darvel and Aberdeen will be played on Jan 23, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Darvel vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
