ABERDEEN travel to Stirling Albion for the second year in a row to face the Binos in a Viaplay Cup tie on Friday night.
The Dons won plenty of plaudits, if not points, after going toe-for-toe with Celtic on Sunday, but the outcome was familiar for home fans with yet another Hoops success at Pittodfrie.
Manager Barry Robson reckoned it was Aberdeen's best performance against Celtic for years and if they had taken their chances, they could have got something.
But it's only one point from two games for Aberdeen, after a draw away to Livingston and they still look very short in squad quality – something Robson clearly agrees with as he has only made one sub in each of the two games they have played.
Last season, Jim Goodwin led Aberdeen to a 5-0 trouncing at Forthbank, but the hosts have improved enormously since then. They romped to the League Two title and have started this season brilliantly.
Former Don Darren Young has led them to two wins out of two in League One and most eye-catchingly of all, hammered St Johnstone 4-0 in Perth in this competition as they surprisingly qualified. from their group.
How the bookies view it
Aberdeen are solid favourites at 1/2 with McBookie.com. Albion can be backed at 11/2 with Coral and the draw is 10/3 withPaddy Power.
Recent head to heads
As stated, Aberdeen blew Stirling away last season in this competition with a 5-0 win. Stirling's last win over the Dons also came in the League Cup with a 1-0 win in 1976 – but Aberdeen went on to win the Cup that season.
Players to watch
Bojan Miovski got his account open for the season last week against Celtic and he looks sharper than strike partner Duk at this stage of the campaign. The North Macedonian striker is 6/5 to score anytime.
Journeyman striker Dale Carrick has been a revelation for Stirling with 31 goals in 59 league starts. He scored a penalty winner in their derby win over Alloa and is 15/4 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Stirling have started the season outstandingly and Young has them very well organised. However, this is a major step up for them and they could face a tough evening against an Aberdeen side who showed plenty of encouragement to their fans last week.
Forget Aberdeen rotating – they will have six days until their next match in Europe and after last season's Darvel humiliation in the Scottish Cup, there is zero chance of them underestimating Stirling.
Aberdeen can get out of the blocks quickly here and win half time and full time at a really decent 27/20 with Coral.
And they are due to start taking some of their chances – they create plenty. The 2/1 from William Hills on Aberdeen netting three goals or more is too good to turn down.
This Scottish League Cup match between Stirling Albion and Aberdeen will be played on Aug 18, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Stirling Albion vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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