When the Dons face Rangers at Hampden on Sunday, they will be hoping to win a trophy for the first time since 2014.
They say a week is a long time in football, and that couldn’t be more the case for Aberdeen.
Just nine days ago boos rang out Pittodrie following a turgid 1-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock, with many supporters demanding boss Barry Robson was axed. But things have quickly turned in the opposite direction after a late Premiership victory over Hearts then a memorable Europa Conference League Group G win against German giants Eintracht Frankfurt sparked belief. The Red Army are marching with pride ahead of Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final against Rangers.
The national stadium is calling as 19,500 Aberdeen fans descend towards Hampden Park praying they can receive the ultimate Christmas gift by lifting a trophy for the first time since defeating Inverness Caledonian Thistle on penalties almost a decade ago. Rangers will prove a stern test having racked up a 13-game unbeaten run themselves since Philippe Clement’s arrival in the Ibrox hot seat.
Aberdeen achieved what their Cup Final opponents couldn’t do 18 months ago by beating Frankfurt, despite making eight changes to their starting XI. Many fringe players grasped their opportunity and Record Sport looks at the key decisions Robson has to make ahead of Sunday’s Hampden showdown.
Polvara shines on big stage
“Dante Polvara has got to start the final…” was a phrase used by many Aberdeen punters following the full-time whistle on Thursday. The USA star returned from a loan at Charleston Battery fully charged with a point to prove and has shown that he can be more than useful in the Dons midfield.
Aberdeen’s Dante Polvara and Frankfurt’s Mario Gotze in action during a UEFA Europa Conference League match
Aberdeen’s Dante Polvara and Frankfurt’s Mario Gotze in action during a UEFA Europa Conference League match
Polvara kept 2014 World Cup winner Mario Götze in his back pocket and is maturing with every game. He will have to battle it out with captain Graeme Shinnie, Leighton Clarkson, Jamie McGrath and Connor Barron for a chance from the get-go at Hampden, but it’s hard to argue why he shouldn’t be included as a result of his eye-catching recent performances. The assist his provided for Sokler to lob the ball into the net and make it two nil Aberdeen in midweek just summarised the improvement he has made.
Defensive conundrum
It’s fair to say Nicky Devlin, Richard Jensen and Stefan Gartenmann are almost stick-on’s to start but who joins them will make for an interesting debate.
Angus MacDonald was handed the captaincy against Frankfurt and barely put a foot wrong in the heart of the Dons defence as they secured a morale-boosting win and clean sheet. He has shown in the past that he can step up and be counted for when it matters and proved on Thursday night that his ability to win the ball back and defend bravely is an important trait that could be called upon at Hampden.
Angus MacDonald at full time during a UEFA Europa Conference League match between Aberdeen and Eintracht Frankfurt
Angus MacDonald at full time during a UEFA Europa Conference League match between Aberdeen and Eintracht Frankfurt
One man who will also be in Robson’s thinking for that slot between Jensen and Gartenmann, is Slobodan Rubezic. The giant defender was taken out the firing line recently after making a couple costly mistakes but also gives that physical presence in the Aberdeen back-line that may be crucial to keeping the likes of Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers quiet.
In addition, the left-wing-back position that brings further discussion with Jack MacKenzie suspended. Veteran Jonny Hayes may start given his experience in big occasions. However, James McGarry produced an influential showing against Frankfurt and if he can prove his fitness, could be the preferred option long-term. McGarry made the most the most tackles during the victory over Frankfurt.
Striker decision
Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes netted 18 goals during his debut campaign in the Granite City, but struggled to replicate that form in the early stages of this season.
However, the Cape Verde international has scored three goals from his last three European games, which clearly displays that he’s a man for the big occasion. The 23-year-old appears to feed off confidence, and his recent cameos are evidence that he can cause chaos on the wide Hampden pitch if Robson decides to deploy both him and star striker Bojan Miovski.
Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes (left) celebrates with Shayden Morris after scoring to make it 1-0
Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes (left) celebrates with Shayden Morris after scoring to make it 1-0 (Image: SNS Group)
Miovski was the hero that clinched Aberdeen’s Cup Final place after a clever finish against Hibernian in the semi-final. And it was the North Macedonian who Robson chose to play along side Sokler the last time they met Rangers. The pairing of Miovski and Sokler caused Gers centre-back duo Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson all sorts of problems, so it could play on Robson’s mind to go for it again with the two strikers leading the line. Especially after Sokler got a weight off his shoulders by bagging his first Pittodrie goal.
Bearing in mind, Miovski is still a slight injury doubt going into the game, the Aberdeen boss might spring a surprise come the team line-up’s being released at 1.45pm on Sunday.
Be the first to comment