ROSS COUNTY will be out for revenge in this Viaplay Cup quarter-final after copping a Pittodrie pounding from revitalised Aberdeen in the SPFL Premiership on Sunday.
The Dons went into that game looking a bit vulnerable after a poor start to the campaign and a draining 90 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa Conference League opener on Thursday night.
Plenty of people, including our man Mark, feared the worst for Barry Robson's side in Germany but they turned in a brave display and were unlucky to lose 2-1. The players took heart from that much-improved performance and finally clicked into gear as they destroyed Ross County.
Now Aberdeen will be looking to follow that up by booking a place in the Viaplay Cup semis, although it won't be easy as they need to make the trip to Dingwall and the Staggies will be desperate to avenge Sunday's loss.
Malky Mackay's side were made to sweat in the last round by Championship side Airdrieonians, eventually coming out on top 4-3 in extra-time after blowing a 3-1 lead.
Ross County's form has been patchy since then, with one win, one draw and two defeats, but they have enough firepower to dump Aberdeen out of the cup if they get back to their best.
How the bookies view it
The bookies can't separate these sides with both at 17/10 for a win in 90 minutes. The full-time draw pays 9/4 with SkyBet while Bet365 price both teams at 10/11 to qualify for the semis.
Recent head to head
Sunday's emphatic victory made it four games unbeaten for Aberdeen in this fixture, although two of those matches ended in draws. The Dons are also unbeaten on their last three visits to Dingwall, since copping a 4-1 beating in January 2021.
Players to watch
Simon Murray had an off day at Pittodrie and was subbed after an hour with the game already lost. But that will keep him fresh for this cup tie and he could be the matchwinner for Ross County, having netted nine times already this term. The former Hibs and Dundee United striker is 5/2 with Bet365 for another goal.
Luis Lopes, affectionately known as Duk, ended a 14-game scoring drought when he netted against the Staggies on Sunday. That could spark his season into life and the former Benfica man is 5/2 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Dingwall meetings between these sides have generally been pretty close and I'd expect this to be a tight game, despite Sunday's scoreline. The half-time draw has landed in two of the last three when Aberdeen have come calling and a repeat here pays 21/20 at William Hill.
Both teams have plenty of firepower so we could see a few goals and over 2.5 strikes pays a decent 11/10 at McBookie. BTTS also stands a good chance and that's 10/11 with Bet365.
The game will be fiercely contested and that could lead to a few cards being flashed. Graeme Shinnie has kept his nose pretty clean so far, with only one yellow this term for Aberdeen. But the Dons skipper likes a tackle and he's 7/4 at Bet365 to pick up a card here.
This Scottish League Cup match between Ross County and Aberdeen will be played on Sep 27, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ross County vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
